
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, July 31, 1994                   TAG: 9408020044
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL                    PAGE: A3   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS
DATELINE: FALLS CHURCH                                 LENGTH: Short

FIRE AT FALLS CHURCH ABORTION CLINIC RULED ARSON

Federal officials asked the public for help Saturday in finding out who set a fire behind an abortion clinic here.

A ``gasoline-powered incendiary device'' with a timer went off Friday night outside the Commonwealth Women's Clinic in Falls Church, said Patrick Hynes, a special agent for the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms. The clinic, which has been the scene of many protests, is about 7 miles outside Washington.

A witness reported the fire to a passing police officer, who put out the blaze after only minor damage was done, Hynes said. He declined to describe the incendiary device in any more detail, saying it might hamper the investigation.

Hynes said Planned Parenthood is offering a $100,000 reward for help finding and convicting those responsible.

by CNB