Reward Offered in Arsons at Hispanic Businesses in Goshen

by Ed Ernstes (ernstes@wsbt.com)

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Arson fire at Los Galanes Market in Goshen

The fire that gutted the Los Galanes Market in Goshen on July 10, 2007 was ruled arson. Police are offering a reward for information in the case, as well as two other arson fires at Hispanic-run businesses in Goshen. (WSBT file photo)

By Beth Boehne

Story Created: Nov 29, 2007 at 3:46 PM EST

Story Updated: Apr 9, 2008 at 3:04 PM EST

(WSBT) The Goshen Fire Department is investigating eight separate cases where fires were intentionally set. Three involve Hispanic businesses: The Blessing Place, Los Galanes Market and the San Marcos Grocery and Restaurant.

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A reward is being offered to solve all of them.

The first case was investigated in the beginning of January at The Blessing Place store. Fire investigators determined the fire that occurred at the Hispanic-run business on December 30, 2006 was intentionally set.

“We found evidence of an intentionally set fire, and it was determined to be incendiary,” explained Assistant Chief Jim Ramer of the Goshen Fire Department. “We did find evidence that an ignitable liquid was poured on the floor in several areas.”

On July 10, 2007 a fire gutted the Los Galanes Market, also a Hispanic-run business. It sits in the 700 block of Lincolnway East, just up the block from The Blessing Place.

It was also ruled as an arson fire.

“In this store I have everything,” said Tony Garcia Galanes, co-owner of Los Galanes Market, at the time of the fire. “So everything that I have I lost right now.”

Then there was the fire on November 9, 2007 at the San Marcos Grocery and Restaurant downtown. It is also a Hispanic-run business. It, too, was ruled as arson to cover a burglary.

“Right now we're sad,” said Michelle Esqueda, the owner’s daughter. “It’s devastating because we've been in business for almost nine years and then this had to happen.”

The Goshen Fire Department is working with the State Fire Marshal’s office to offer a $5,000 reward leading to the arrest of any and all persons involved in any of these three business fires.

The other five arsons being investigated involved homes and vehicles.

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