MONTGOMERY COUNTY — The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office is asking the public for help locating a 38-year-old Hillsboro man accused of burning down his own auto and tire shop last May and then duping the public into thinking it was an accident.

An arrest warrant for arson has been issued for Ryan E. Payne. He owns Payne’s Tire and Auto in Schram City, just outside of Hillsboro.

An employee of the business, 50-year-old William E. Hirsch, of Coffeen, was taken into custody Wednesday on a warrant issued in connection with the alleged arson.

Law enforcement believes Payne may have fled the area.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to call the Macoupin-Montgomery Crime Stoppers at 1-800-352-0136 or they can submit a tip online at macmontcrimestoppers.com.

Tips can also be sent by text. Type 722TIP plus a message and send to CRIMES.

Informants are eligible for cash rewards of up to $5,000 and they can remain anonymous.