By KARI BLURTON
Hays Post

Ellis County Sheriff Harbin said Tuesday investigators have a “strong suspect” in the string of 20 March fires occurring throughout rural Ellis County.

Harbin said investigators are waiting for lab results that could connect the suspect to the fires.

The fires began March 6, and resulted in a total of 20 fires — all believed to be the result of arson.

Harbin said the department continues to receive tips from the public and noted the investigation remains ongoing.

“We are still following up on leads when people give us information to either rule people out or look at them further,” he said.

Hays businessman Chris Miller, owner of Auto Tech, 600 Vine, was one of the earliest victims of the rash of fires and quickly set up a reward fund to find the culprit.

Miller said the reward fund is now up to $5,000. The reward is offered for information leading to a conviction.

“I am still encouraging people to call to donate,” Miller said. “The (perpetrator) is out there. It is just going to take some time.”

Anyone with information that could help the investigation is asked to call the Ellis County Sheriff’s Department at (785) 625-1040.

Miller said anyone wishing to donate to the reward fund can contact him at (785) 625-6409.

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