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Still no arrests in church arson

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• Investigators: Church arson could be cover-up
• $10K reward offered in church arson case

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CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Charlotte Fire Department investigators released some of the 911 calls made last month when the offices of the First United Methodist Church in east Charlotte were set on fire. 

However, investigators held back some of the calls because they believe they contain clues that could lead them to the arsonist. 

“(A 911 caller) sometimes shares visual information that can help us,” said Capt. Robert Brisley, the department spokesman. 

Brisley said the caller could “help us, maybe, as far as a specific location or some conditions around there." He would not characterize the kind of information found in the call or calls that the department is withholding as the investigation continues.

The fire in the church offices was set sometime in the early morning hours Sept. 15. The church is located at 6030 Albemarle Road and sustained heavy smoke damage.

Investigators believe someone broke into the office area through a door and set the fire. Investigators won’t say if they have a motive but the church had been broken into several times in the weeks and months prior to the fire.

Damage from the fire has been estimated at $500,000.

“You will see all the smoke!” one 911 caller reported.

Another caller, a woman who actually drove into the parking lot to get an address, was asked by the dispatcher if she saw anyone.

“There is a Charlotte firefighter here, off duty,” she replied.

Fire investigators say that firefighter was never a suspect. They say he was on his way to work and saw the flames. After calling in the fire himself, he helped the first responding units when they arrived.

Investigators are still asking for help from anyone who has information about the fire. The number to call is 800-334-3000. There is a reward of up to $10,000.