Fire Rescue News - OPERATOR OF RIVAL BOWLING ALLEY ARRESTED FOR LOYLE LANES ARSON
VINELAND- Just eight days after a fire destroyed Loyle Lanes Bowling Center in Vineland, police have arrested three people, including the operator of a neighboring bowling alley, for the arson....Continue Reading
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After labeling the January 11th early morning fire that destroyed the Loyle Lanes bowling center suspicious, police say a joint investigation with numerous law enforcement agencies determined the blaze was intentionally set on the roof in the rear of the building. "That building went up so quickly we knew there had to be an accelerant in there and it wasn't ours that's for darn sure," said Charles Loyle, Co-owner of Loyle Lanes Bowling Center.
The owners, who watched the center they built from the ground up, burn down to the ground, say it's something they suspected. "It was pretty indicative from the beginning it wasn't an irate bowler, it was someone who had something to gain by putting us out of business."
Police confirmed their suspicions and gathered enough evidence to arrest three Philadelphia residents there yesterday, 47-year-old Steven Smink, owner of Pike Lanes Bowling Center in Bridgeton, co-conspirator, 21-year-old Felix Manzano and a 17 year old juvenile. "It was a devastating fire that cause in excess of $4 million dollars in damages…we believe that Steven Smink was the person who set up the arson," explained Lt. Tom Ulrich of the Vineland Police Department.
Members of the bowling community said Smink was heard telling others he would close down Loyle Lanes after taking over pike lanes in 2007.
While the owners of Loyle Lanes never met Smink, they say he went to the extreme to eliminate the competition. "Took him over two years, but to get us out of business he had to burn us down," said Loyle. He continued, "It's impacted so many people that we just cant comprehend a youngster 21 years old and juvenile of 17 being talked into creating an act like this on us."
While police have not yet determined a motive for the arson, members in the bowling community say financial hardships faced pike lanes for quite a while. “Last time I bowled there was for the county tournaments and conditions were terrible...everyone complained," said Bill Jones, President of Loyle Lanes Monday night bowling league.
Now that the arrests have been made the Loyle’s are able to focus on the future. "No one should have to live through this…at least that's one obstacle behind us and we can get on with the demolition and contemplate building a new recreation center for the community."
Management for Pike Lanes refused to comment on the arrests.
Authorities say more details are expected to emerge as the investigation unfolds.
Anyone with information about Smink is asked to contact Det. Anthony Capelli of the Vineland Police Department at (856) 691-4111 ext. 4651 or Mike Donato at (856) 391-3608.
Smink and Manzano have been charged with aggravated arson, aggravated arson for hire and conspiracy to commit aggravated arson. Smink and Manzano are being held in Philadelphia on $300 thousand dollars cash bail, pending extradition to New Jersey.
The juvenile was charged on a juvenile complaint with aggravated arson, aggravated arson for hire and conspiracy to commit aggravated arson. The 17 year old was released to his mother and awaits further court action involving the Cumberland County Prosecutor's Office.
