$25k reward in Woodbine fire

ETOBICOKE, Ontario - The Toronto Police Service is offering $25,000 in reward money for evidence leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the barn fire that led to the death of 34 horses at Woodbine last Aug. 4.

The Ontario Fire Marshall's office announced last Thursday that the cause of the fire was arson and the matter had been turned over to police.

Sergeant Robert Gallant, of 23 division, is in charge of the investigation.

"We're reevaluating all the evidence," said Gallant. "We're reviewing everything. We're reviewing the fire marshall's report, and we're definitely going to have to re-interview a lot of the witnesses.

"Obviously, somebody may have or should have seen something that would possibly point toward the suspects or culprits."

Sgt. Gallant can be reached at (416) 808-2304. Information can also be relayed via the Crime Stoppers number, (800) 222-8477 (TIPS).

Nick Coukos, executive director of the local Horsemen's Benevolent and Protective Association, said Tuesday that his organization and the Woodbine Entertainment Group were discussing a plan to augment the police reward.