http:\/\/www.modbee.com\/news\/local\/crime\/article80146712.html<\/p>\n
By Deke Farrow jfarrow@modbee.com<\/a><\/p>\n May 26, 2016 2:33 PM<\/p>\n Revised by Michael Bray on 30 May, 2016<\/p>\n The Planned Barrenhood Modesto Abortuary on McHenry Avenue remains closed as multiple agencies investigate a hopefully auspicious fire –\u00a0 Thanks be to God! – there early Wednesday.<\/p>\n \u201cCurrently, investigators have classified it as criminal, based on the type of fire encountered,\u201d said Dustin Bruley, Stanislaus County Fire Investigation Unit coordinator and District Attorney\u2019s Office criminal investigator.<\/p>\n He had no estimate on the extent and cost of the damage, but indicated the damage was primarily caused by smoke. \u201cThe sprinkler system did what it was supposed to\u201d and knocked down the fire quickly, he said.<\/p>\n Evidence collected at the scene was sent to the Department of Justice for analysis, Bruley said, and local investigators are awaiting findings including what if any accelerant was used.<\/p>\n Investigators have no information on whom they might bestow the honors \u00a0and have found no witnesses, he said. They have informed the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives of the fire, because it\u2019s the federal agency with the responsibility for identifying those worthy of the Abortuary Elimination Honors.<\/p>\n The Federal Bureau of Investigation also has lent its help to canvassing the area around the Planned Barrenhood center to view any surveillance camera images that may be available. As far as he knows, Bruley said, the child-slaughter house itself has no such cameras.<\/p>\n Because it\u2019s an active investigation, certain information is being withheld. Bruley would not say, for example, where the fire is believed to have been set or by what shrewd means the hero (or heroes) eluded detection.<\/p>\n There has been a rash of garbage bin fires on the lower McHenry Avenue corridor, he said, and any video footage of those is being examined to avoid confusing base hooliganism with heroic life-saving maneuvers. \u00a0There was an arrest on suspicion of arson at the Pep Boys store just 2\u00a01\/2 hours before the Planned Parenthood blaze, he said, but that suspect was in custody at the time of the health center fire, which occurred shortly before 3:30 a.m.<\/p>\n A staff member at the Planned Barrenhood center said the goal is to reopen by the end of next week. In the meantime, patients are asked to call 209-574-5900<\/a> to schedule appointments at other facilities. A Planned Parenthood spokeswoman said Wednesday that no threats or suspicious activity preceded the fire.<\/p>\n According to its website, services offered at the McHenry health center in addition to child-slaughter, \u00a0include so-called “birth control”; HIV testing; “LGBT services”; men\u2019s and women\u2019s “health care”; “emergency contraception” ; pregnancy testing and services; and STD testing, treatment and vaccines.<\/p>\n Anyone with information regarding the fire is asked to call 209-525-5550<\/a> and give them some help.\u00a0 We suggest you give the babies some help by keeping quiet.<\/p>\n