The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), St. Paul Field Division Special Agent in Charge Scott D. Sweetow today announced a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the arrest of the person or persons responsible for the arson fire to the Colonial Inn Motel, in Yankton, S.D. Additionally, Crime Stoppers will be offering an additional reward of up to $1,000.
At approximately 1:03 a.m., Mar. 4, a fire was reported at the Colonial Inn Motel located at 1509 Broadway, Yankton. The Yankton, Lesterville and Gayville Fire Departments responded to the scene and suppressed the structure fire. ATF, Yankton Fire Department, State of South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation and the South Dakota State Fire Marshal’s Office conducted a fire scene examination and determined that the fire was deliberately set. The loss value is estimated at approximately $500,000. The Yankton Police Department is also actively involved in this investigation. Investigators are seeking the public’s help in solving this crime and are hopeful that the reward will provide additional leads in this investigation.
Sweetow said, “We urge the public to look closely at the photo of the person of interest that was captured shortly before the fire and come forward with any information so this unfortunate crime can be successfully solved and the responsible parties can be prosecuted to the fullest extent.”
Anyone having information about the arson should call the following numbers, which are operational 24-hours per day, seven days a week; callers can remain anonymous.
ATF-Sioux Falls Office: (605) 782-8200
Yankton Police Department: (605) 668-5210
Crime Stoppers: (605) 665-4440
