Georgia daycare targeted in arson attack caught on camera
Firefighters and arson investigators are working to identify the suspect behind a deliberate fire that tore through the Star Kids Academy daycare on Highway 20 in Conyers.
(CNN)- Firefighters and arson investigators are working to identify the suspect behind a deliberate fire that tore through the Star Kids Academy daycare on Highway 20 in Conyers.
Daycare owner Keisha Archer says surveillance cameras captured the suspect approaching the building with a red gas can, breaking in through a window, and setting the fire.
“They took some type of metal piece and broke in through the back window,” Archer said. “They unlocked the door, came through with gasoline — from the end of the hallway to the top of the hallway — and lit the building on fire.”
Video footage shows a person pouring a liquid substance across the floor before flames spread through the facility.
“The building not only is vandalized, it’s caught on fire,” Archer said.
This isn’t the first time the daycare has been targeted. Archer says that eight months ago, just before the center was set to open, vandals flooded the building.
“They came through the back, busted out all the toilets,” she recalled. “The building had just been completely renovated, and they flooded it out.”
Now, Archer is pleading for help identifying the person responsible. “I’m praying that this person is caught,” she said. “I’m going to give a reward if someone can give us a lead or assistance on who did this.”
Rockdale County fire investigators confirm they are reviewing the video and gathering evidence as the investigation continues.
