Investigation Continues into Multiple Alarm Fire - Investigators request assistance in identifying persons of interest

SPRING, TX -- On January 2nd of this year, at approximately 1:06 a.m., multiple fire departments were dispatched to a commercial structure fire located at 1625 Sawdust Road in Spring, Texas, 77380. The first apparatus to arrive on the scene confirmed a large, two-story commercial building with fire showing throughout the building.

The property involved is a large commercial structure that has been vacant for an extended period of time. This incident is not the first time fire departments have been called to this specific location. Approximately one year prior to the current event, fire departments were dispatched to the same address for another fire. In that previous case, it was determined that a couch inside the vacant structure had been set on fire (possibly by fireworks). Previous inspection of the building showed evidence of graffiti and "tagging", as well.

Investigators have uncovered evidence pointing to persons of interest and are seeking the public’s assistance in their identification. During the course of the investigation, multiple witnesses advised that several individuals were seen running away from the structure. These individuals were observed heading east on Sawdust Road just moments before the initial emergency calls for the fire were received. This information was further corroborated by surveillance footage obtained from nearby businesses, which captured video of individuals leaving the building moments before smoke began to pour out into the street.

Attached are 2 videos of the persons of interest leaving the scene just prior to the discovery of the fire. Note that the timestamp is incorrect.

Anyone with information about this fire or the identity of the persons of interest is asked to contact the Montgomery County Fire Marshal’s Office at 936-538-8288 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-392-STOP. You can also submit a tip through the “P3TIPS” smartphone app or online at www.multicountycrimestoppers.org