Arson sniffing dog alerts in fire probe

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An investigation into arson at the Compton Post Office moved forward Thursday after a visit from an arson dog.

According to the Harrison Daily Times, the building, which was a modular mobile unit, was destroyed by fire between 3:00 and 4:00 on the morning of May 24th. Due to the time of the blaze, it was considered suspicious by police.

Additionally, because the fire happened on Memorial Day weekend, investigators were unable to secure an arson sniffing dog for a probe. Even after the holiday, there was a delay because the dog was being used to help with a large fire in eastern Arkansas.

It wasn’t until Thursday afternoon the dog was brought to the scene. While conducting a probe, the dog alerted on one spot where accelerants may have been used. A sample of the material in the area was collected and sent to the state crime lab for analysis.

According to Newton County Sheriff Keith Slape, the sample was taken just in time because heavy rain can wash away accelerants. Slape also said though the Newton County Sheriff’s Office is unsure when the lab results will return, the investigation will continue as detectives develop all possible information.

As a result of the fire, the U.S. Postal Service announced the post office mail scheduled to be picked up at the former Compton location will be temporarily forwarded to the Harrison Post Office on Industrial Park Road.

Compton postal customers can pick up their P.O. box mail, with a government issued ID, at the Harrison facility during normal business hours of 8:30 until 5:00, Monday through Friday, and from 9:00 until 11:00 on Saturdays.

Those with questions can call the U.S. Postal Service at 1-800-275-8777 or go online to www.usps.com.

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