Seth Patrick Wilburn, 18 (DeKalb County Sheriff's Department / March 31, 2009)
HAMMONDVILLE -
A church in DeKalb County was destroyed by fire Tuesday morning. A concerned citizen called 911 at 11:18am, to notify authorities that Harmony Grove Church was on fire.
The church is on County Road 239 in Hammondville. It was built in the late 19th century.
Sheriff Jimmy Harris says the citizen who called had met up with a Honda, whose driver was driving erratically as it pulled out of the church parking lot.
The caller reported the church was on fire, and several agencies then responded to the scene, including the DeKalb County Sheriff's Department, Valley Head, Mentone and Hammondville police departments.
Police quickly pulled over the Honda and took two teens into custody. One is Seth Patrick Wilburn, 18, of Fort Payne, and the other is a 17-year-old female. Wilburn is charged with 2nd degree arson, 3rd degree burglary and theft of property.
The State Fire Marshal is also helping with the investigation.
Sheriff Harris thanked the caller for the tip.
"This is yet another example of how information from the public can make a difference," said Harris. "A concerned citizen contacted authorities, enabling law enforcement to respond quickly to the situation before it became more dangerous."
The church is on County Road 239 in Hammondville. It was built in the late 19th century.
Sheriff Jimmy Harris says the citizen who called had met up with a Honda, whose driver was driving erratically as it pulled out of the church parking lot.
The caller reported the church was on fire, and several agencies then responded to the scene, including the DeKalb County Sheriff's Department, Valley Head, Mentone and Hammondville police departments.
Police quickly pulled over the Honda and took two teens into custody. One is Seth Patrick Wilburn, 18, of Fort Payne, and the other is a 17-year-old female. Wilburn is charged with 2nd degree arson, 3rd degree burglary and theft of property.
The State Fire Marshal is also helping with the investigation.
Sheriff Harris thanked the caller for the tip.
"This is yet another example of how information from the public can make a difference," said Harris. "A concerned citizen contacted authorities, enabling law enforcement to respond quickly to the situation before it became more dangerous."
