FBI seeks help in arson case
at East Frankford bar

Members of Philadelphia’s Arson Task Force are seeking the public’s help in identifying two suspects in an arson fire at an East Frankford bar last month.
Investigators believe that a car driven by one of the suspects could be a key in identifying the culprits, said Sgt. D.F. Pace of the Philadelphia Police Department’s public affairs unit.
The incident occurred at the Boathouse Bar, a.k.a. the BHB Bikini Bar, at 4768 Tacony St., on April 10 starting at about 1:25 a.m.
According to police, surveillance cameras recorded the suspects as they approached the business, which was closed at the time. One man arrived in a light-colored 1995-1998 Mitsubishi Galant sedan, while the other arrived on foot.
They met in front of the bar and, after a brief exchange, walked toward the side of the building. One appeared to carry a container.
Immediately thereafter, police said, fire and smoke began to billow from the site and the two men ran from the fire. The man from the car drove away, while the other man ran away.
According to Executive Chief Daniel Williams of the Philadelphia Fire Department, firefighters were dispatched to the scene at 2:06 a.m.
Engine 52 was first to arrive and observed moderate smoke on the second floor of the three-story brick structure.
The fire was declared under control at 2:21 a.m. The fire marshal ruled the cause as incendiary, meaning it was intentionally set.
The recently remodeled building also included two vacant apartments and an office, Pace said. The building suffered heavy damage.
Though there were no reported injuries, investigators suspect that one or both of the culprits may have been burned because the fire appeared to catch very quickly.
The one suspect’s vehicle is distinct in that it had black accents, including the two side-view mirrors, Pace said. It was a four-door model with a sunroof.
A cash reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest of the suspects.
Call 1-888-ATF-FIRE to report information about the crime. ••