Vandals Ignite Fear in Far North Dallas
Neighbors report fourth arson attack in as many weeks
By ELLEN GOLDBERG
Updated 10:49 PM CDT, Tue, Jul 21, 2009
It started with the burning of American flags.
But a fourth arson attack in less than a month -- this one on a 76-year-old man's shrubbery -- has residents of a far north Dallas neighborhood angry and afraid.
Dallas fire officials said a disturbing pattern is developing in the neighborhood off Spring Valley Road and the Dallas North Tollway.
The latest arson victim said he awoke Tuesday morning to what sounded like popcorn crackling. He used a 40-year-old fire extinguisher to douse the blaze building in his front bushes.
” I am just lucky that they started it here and I got out quick enough with the extinguisher," he said.
The man did not want to be identified in fears that the attention could provoke another attack in his neighborhood.
“It’s where I live, and I don't want to be burned up,” he said.
The neighborhood association is looking at hiring private security and installing surveillance cameras.
“There is going to be major consequences when they are caught,” said Ed Jordan.
Four flags in the neighborhood have been torched since late June. Two of the flags belonged to Jordan, a retired Marine.
“It’s serious,” he said. “There is no question about that.”
While the only casualties so far have been flags and shrubs, residents said they worry that could easily change.
“But with everything being so dry, a fire could get out of control pretty quick,” Jordan said.
First Published: Jul 21, 2009 9:04 PM CDT
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