October 2005 Arson      Whiteside County Crimestoppers "Crime of the Month" for September is an Arson that occurred in Sterling on September 19th. At aproximately 11:30 p.m. that Monday night a mother and her small child were asleep in their residence at 1103 Ave. J when a neighbor awakened them indicating that their home was on fire. They were able to leave the residence without injury. It was determined that unknown suspect(s) had thrown several Molotov cocktails at the residence. Only one ignited causing minimal damage. Anyone having information regarding this or any crime is asked  to call Whiteside County Crimestoppers at 1-877-625-7867. Crimestoppers will pay up to a $1000.00 reward for information leading to the arrest and filing of charges against the persons responsible. Callers will  remain anonymous. Special Alert       Sterling Police are investigating a number of tire slashings that occurred over the night time hours of September 24 in the 400 to 700 blocks of west 7th and 8th streets. Grafitti was also found in the area.  Anyone having information regarding this or any crime is asked to call Whiteside County Crimestoppers at 1-877-625-7867. Crimestoppers will pay up to a $1000.00 reward for information leading to the arrest and filing of charges against the persons responsible. Callers will remain anonymous.