Nov. 20--SPRINGFIELD -- Helping police arrest a neighborhood firebug has earned one Springfield man a $5,000 reward.
Herbie "Hot Sauce" Ingram was awarded $5,000 by the Ohio Blue Ribbon Arson Committee for helping authorities arrest and convict an arsonist who was setting fires in May 2012.
He noticed a man acting suspicious near a home on Pleasant Avenue in Springfield. Shortly after the man left the porch, flames erupted. Ingram helped lead police to the suspect, 35-year-old Christopher Adams. Already a convicted arsonist, Adams admitted to setting the fire and five others throughout the city. He was convicted of aggravated arson in September 2012 and was sentenced to five years in prison.
It's been three years since someone in Springfield was awarded money for helping catch an arsonist. To be considered by the committee, which is made up of insurance personnel and fire specialists, a person must be nominated by a fire or law enforcement official. To Assistant Springfield Fire Chief Brian Miller's knowledge, Ingram is the only person to be awarded the full $5,000 offered -- a testament to how pivotal his help was.
"I have to point out, he didn't know he was going to get paid. He came forward and did the right thing. The money is just sugar on top for him," Miller said.
Knowing people whose homes were set on fire by Adams, Ingram said was glad to help get him off the streets.
"We don't need anything like that happening. I just thought I could help," he said.
There are about 80 arson fires a year in Springfield, including building and car fires. The depth of information received and if it leads to a conviction determines how much money a person can be awarded, Miller said. Anyone can call in arson information by calling (937) 324-7610.
Ingram said he hopes his success will be an inspiration for others to step forward.
"Hot Sauce is here to tell you if you help put fires out and (catch arsonists), you'll get paid, because I got mine," he said.
Copyright 2013 - Springfield News-Sun, Ohio
