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SILVER LAKE - Police are investigating a possible arson fire at a Walsh Trailer Park residence, where a family was sleeping when the fire began.
Matt J. Tersigni, of 10402 Ind. 15S #21, Silver Lake, told a Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department deputy that he was awakened by the flickering flames and, when he ran outside, he smelled gasoline.
A neighbor told police he saw a man pouring liquid all around the Tersigni trailer, onto the deck and on the door. The suspect then allegedly used a lighter to ignite the liquid. A witness told police he made eye contact with the suspect, then yelled at the man before the suspect put the flame to the liquid. The suspect then reportedly ran between trailers and was last seen leaving the trailer park in a speeding white vehicle.
The witness was able to name the suspect but, when police contacted the suspect at his residence, he denied being at Walsh Trailer Court. The man's girlfriend reportedly provided an alibi, stating he was with her all night.
Tersigni and the witness extinguished most of the fire with a garden hose before Silver Lake Fire Department crews arrived at the scene. A plastic gas can was taken as evidence from the scene.
No injuries were reported.
The incident remains under investigation.
