A second police officer arrested for Ensley
suspicious fires
Birmingham Police Sargeant Johnny Williams confirms that a second police
officer is in custody in connection with the 14 suspicious fires in Ensley.
Sgt. Williams says this arrest has to do with the investigation on fires
on Warrior Road.
Since the officer has not yet been charged, Sgt. Williams would not
release his name.
Williams says the officer was not a veteran officer, but did work in the
West Precinct.
Chief A.C. Roper says, "The investigation has progressed well as we
continue to dig deeper into this arson investigation." He also says,
"I am pleased that our investigators are representing the department with
professionalism and honor as they conduct a methodical and comprehensive
investigation."
Birmingham Mayor William Bell also responded to the arrest. He says,
"We are certainly disappointed that the evidence has led us to an internal
arrest. However, I am impressed with the speed of the investigation and the
fact that our Police Department has left no stone unturned. The Birmingham
Police Department is committed to excellence and to the safety of each of the
citizens in our City and that holds true today."
This latest arrest is the second Birmingham police officer arrested in
the arson investigation. Officer Curtis Thornton, who is on administrative
leave, is charged with one count of arson in connection with one of the Ensley
fires. It relates to the fire at 1708 29th Street.
Thornton is also charged with arson and attempted arson for fires in
Warrior.
A preliminary hearing is set in Jefferson County for Thonton on both
cases June 21.
Both Thornton and the officer in the latest arrest worked in the West
precinct. Ensley is a part of Birmingham that West precinct officers work.