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Arsonist Burns Church Bus, Fire Official Says

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TBO.com Staff

Published: December 12, 2007

A 22-year-old church bus was torched overnight in Riverview and the act has fueled the congregation's determination to continue serving area children, said the Rev. Thomas Shavers of Bethel Baptist Church in Riverview.

Firefighters were called shortly after 1:30 a.m. today to 12846 Balm Riverview Road. When they arrived, the rear half of the bus was in flames, Capt. Bruce Delk said.

No one was inside and no injuries were reported. The State Fire Marshal is investigating, Delk said.

The bus was used to transport children to and from the church for services and study.

Shavers said someone broke into the church's shed and took a gas can. The intruder then poured the gas over the bus and set it on fire, he said.

The perpetrator also tried to steal the church's 1991 shuttle van. The steering column was broken and it appeared someone tried to hotwire it, Shavers said.

The congregation intends to use the church van and personal vehicles to continue bringing in the children for services, he said.

"Whatever it takes to get them, we'll do it to bring them here," Shavers said. "If we didn't, then the person that did this would win and we won't let that happen."

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