Police investigating house fire/burglary

The Enterprise Police Department is investigating a burglary and arson that Enterprise Fire Chief Byron Herring described as being "intentionally set."

According to a press release, the police were notified of a house fire at an unoccupied residence located in the 3000 Block of Highway 167 North at 3:10 a.m. on Monday, July 6.

According to Herring, a passerby saw the fire and called it in.

At 10:15 a.m., police determined the fire was started during a burglary. The suspects entered the residence by force through a rear door. The homeowner reported home electronics and a large gun safe containing firearms and ammunition among some of the items taken.

"(The house) did have forcible entry," Herring said. "They stole a gun cabinet and the guns in it. We feel like the fire was probably to cover up the burglary."

According to the press release, the Alabama Fire Marshall said that multiple fires were started throughout the house causing a large amount of damage.

There were no signs of gasoline being used as an accelerant, according to Herring.

"We did not find anything as an accelerant like gas or anything. We believe they just used paper and stuff in the house, piled it up and set it on fire."

The Enterprise Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division (CID) is investigating the burglary/arson and asks that anyone with information regarding this crime to contact the Enterprise Police Department at (334) 347-2222 or leave a tip at www.enterprisepd.com.