The radio station 94.9 The Point now says their idea to bring hundreds of people to the Eastern Shore to try to catch the serial arsonist was a joke.
But the people who called the station to volunteer thought it was serious and they were ready to join them.
During what the station called “casual coffee talk” on Monday, co-hosts Chuck and Woo Woo floated the idea to stake out abandoned structures to try to catch the arsonist or arsonists who have set fire to at least 70 buildings since November.
They told NewsChannel 3 the phone started ringing off the hook with volunteers. And when they posted it on the station’s Facebook page, it received dozens of posts from supporters.
Residents in Accomack lean on prayer, faith to catch serial arsonist
The Point has since posted on its Facebook page that the idea was a joke.
Corinne Geller with the Virginia State Police at first said they would look into pressing vigilante charges if the eastern shore campout happens. She then told NewsChannel 3 after talking to The Point she was convinced it was a joke.
Anyone with information about the arsons is encouraged to text, call or email 757-655-1437.
Anyone with a tip that leads to an arrest and conviction in these cases could be eligible for a reward of up to $25,000.
