Police charge Lynchburg man in bridge fire

By Annie McCallum

Published: May 5, 2008

Police have charged a Lynchburg man in connection with the fire that destroyed the Fort Avenue bridge last month, according to Lynchburg Fire Marshal Greg Wormser.

A warrant has been issued for the arrest of Donald Payne on a charge of unlawful burning, Wormser said.

“Witness interviews and other information we obtained directed us to Mr. Payne and we were able to get enough information to get a charge,” Wormser said.

The early morning fire that occurred in April caused the bridge at the intersection of Fort Avenue and Park Avenue to collapse and an 18-inch water main to break. It caused many customers in the area to lose water service, while others in the city experienced discolored water.

If convicted of the class six felony Payne could face 12 months to five years in prison. Wormser said there might be additional monetary charges, which would be levied by a judge.