EDENTON – The State Bureau of Investigation is leading an investigation into a suspicious fire at Ralph’s Pizza in downtown, Edenton Police said.
Chowan County 911 received a report of a fire at the restaurant at 315 N. Granville St. at about 2:20 a.m. Tuesday. Edenton police officers arrived first, followed shortly by Edenton Fire Department crews. The Chowan County Sheriff’s Office, Center Hill Crossroads Fire Department and Chowan EMS also responded.
While crews worked to contain and put out the fire, investigators made preliminary observations that led them to consider it suspicious, Police Chief David LaFon said in a press release issued Tuesday afternoon. Authorities then asked the SBI and the N.C. Office of State Fire Marshal for help. The SBI is leading the investigation, with support from local and state agencies.
The cause remains under investigation. Police said no other details will be released at this time to protect the integrity of the investigation.
“We take incidents like this very seriously,” LaFon said. “From the moment it was determined that this fire was suspicious in nature, we worked to bring together the appropriate local and state resources to ensure a thorough and professional investigation. We greatly appreciate the rapid response and expertise provided by our partners in fire suppression and fire investigation. By combining the efforts of multiple agencies, we can ensure that every lead is examined, every resource is utilized, and no stone is left unturned. We remain committed to determining the circumstances surrounding this fire and will support our state partners throughout the investigative process.”
Police said they will release more information as it becomes available and as the investigation allows.
The Edenton Police Department also thanked the Edenton Fire Department, Chowan County Sheriff’s Office, Center Hill Crossroads Fire Department, Chowan EMS, the SBI and the State Fire Marshal’s Office for their professionalism, cooperation and dedication during the response.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Edenton Police Department or the SBI at 252-482-4444.
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