KZTV10.com
CORPUS CHRISTI, TEXAS | CONTINUOUS NEWS COVERAGE
Continuous News
Former Ingleside Volunteer Firefighters Face Charges for Arson
Posted: Nov 16, 2011 9:56 PM by Mike Manzoni - mmanzoni@kristv.com
Updated: Feb 6, 2012 3:47 PM
INGLESIDE, Texas -- Three former Ingleside volunteer firefighters are facing charges in connection with a series of arson fires over the summer and early fall.
Shane Kinney, 32, Billy Joe Criddle, 31, and Jerry Brasher, 35, are behind bars. Kinney and Criddle, who sources inside the fire department said are cousins, are charged with three felony counts of arson. Brasher is charged with failing to report a felony, a misdemeanor.
Brasher was arrested, and both Criddle and Kinney turned themselves into authorities. Kinney, who surrendered to San Patricio authorities Wednesday night, is being held on $120,000 bond.
Residents of the small Coastal Bend community were surprised to learn of the charges. "They carry a bage and everything, or have a bunch of initials by their name and they think they can get away with it -- no, I don't think that's right," said Linda Valla.
"The State of Texas has got severe penalties for arson," said David Habluetzel, "and they'll probably spend a lot of time behind bars."
Authorities said the fires were started with sparklers.
The three of them have been "let go," from the department, although it is not clear if their being let go was related to the arson investigation. The Ingleside Index reported that Kinney and Criddle conspired together to committ arson because they were upset with the department.
Both Kinney and Criddle will face a first degree felony charge since a firefighter sustained injuries in one of the fires.
Of the nine fires in Ingleside that began in June, five of them -- all in September -- have been determined to be arson.
Video On Demand
Submit Breaking News
Do you have a tip or information about a breaking news story? Contact the KZTV 10 News Desk at 361-883-7070 x151 or send us an email.
KZTV10.COM is Social!
Click the icons above to receive News, Weather, and Sports alerts from KZTV10.COM!
Inside KZTV10.COM
 |
Photo Central Look at photos and videos and share them! |
 |
KZTV10.COM Mobile Website Get KZTV10.com on your mobile or PDA! |
 |
KZTV10.COM Mobile Apps Get our mobile apps on your mobile or PDA! |
 |
Texas Lottery See the latest winning numbers! |
 |
10 News Team Read about your favorite KZTV personalities! |
Comments