Billboards announce arson case reward

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - The FBI is expanding its search for a suspect in what may be a racially-motivated arson.

The FBI is using electronic billboards to post up to a $10,000 reward for information regarding the torching of an Old First Ward home on Mackinaw Street last year.

>> See a photo gallery of the billboards on WIVB.com

FBI Special Agent-in-Charge Christopher Piehota said, "We're hoping that we get some good lead information out of this initiative. We're trying to make sure that we maintain awareness in the community that the FBI's interest in the First Ward arson matter has not lessened."

Federal investigators along with Buffalo arson investigators are looking into whether the arson was a hate crime. The house was owned by an African-American landlord.

A white former board member of the Old First Ward Community Association, Michael Fijal, has been charged with arranging the torching of the property. Authorities believe others may be involved.

"We want to know if there is any information in the community that would confirm or dispel beliefs that this was a hate motivated crime," Piehota said.

>> The arson cases, that may be related to race, generated a lot of conversation in the community. Read News 4's past coverage on the cases to learn more.

While investigators have been seeking to determine if the victim's race was a motivation, a man named William Shanahan, interviewed by News 4, infuriated many in the city when he personally commented that African Americans weren't welcomed in the Old First Ward.

"People in these neighborhoods don't want those type of people moving down here and destroying the property value," Shanahan stated.

News 4 has now learned that William Shanahan has a criminal record and is currently in custody for an alleged parole violation, and is wanted by Lackawanna Police. You can find more on Shanahan, the comments he made, and what his alleged crime in Lackawanna is here.

The new billboard asking for help regarding the arson investigation marks the first time the FBI in Buffalo is using a billboard to put out a general call for information. Lamar Advertising is donating the display. The case has become a top priority for federal agents here.

The signs say to call 716-856-7800 with information.