Oxendine: Metro churches should be on arson watch

By Megan Matteucci

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

State officials are urging churches to beef up security after two southside houses of worship were set on fire.

Georgia Insurance and Fire Safety Commissioner John W. Oxendine said he has no evidence that the arsons at churches in East Point and Morrow are connected, but he is investigating.

“We're considering every possibility,” he told ajc.com on Wednesday. "We haven't seen any specific evidence to indicate the two are connected other than both are on the southern part of Atlanta, both are arsons and both are churches."

The Calvary Church in Morrow was totally destroyed when it was set on fire early Sunday. Oxendine said investigators have no suspect in that arson.

The East Point First Mallalieu United Methodist Church was set on fire on Nov. 6. Investigators said they found evidence of an accelerant on the inside and outside of the church.

Damage to the East Point church was minimal, Oxendine said.

A suspect was captured on the church’s video surveillance camera. Investigators have received several tips, but are still working to identify the perpetrator, Oxendine said.

A $10,000 reward is offered in each case.

Oxendine said he is has not identified a motive in either fire, but said churches are often targets because they are empty several days a week.

"People know that is a possibilty of a place they can prey upon and not get caught," he said.

Oxendine recommended neighborhoods start church watches to monitor activity on days without services.

He also urged congregations to install outdoor lighting and alarms. They also should make sure shrubs are trimmed and all doors are locked, he said.

Residents should be on the lookout for suspects who may pose as service technicians to get into a church, Oxendine said.

Anyone with information may call the Georgia arson hotline at 1-800-282-5804.