CLEVELAND -- For the first time, Cleveland police have released crime scene photos from last month's arson fire at Councilman Joe Cimperman's home.

The reward for information in the case is also increasing, reported NewsChannel5's Paul Kiska.

Cimperman Arson Photos Released

The crime scene photos show picture frames melted to the walls and other damage inside the home where Cimperman, his wife and their 1-week-old baby fought through heavy smoke to escape.

Someone tried to burn down the councilman's Tremont home in the middle of the night on July 28.

The family ran down a staircase to safety. Another family that lived on the first floor of the duplex also made it out safely.

A week after the fire, someone ransacked his wife's car and smeared it with dog feces.

Before all that, someone wrote Cimperman threatening hate mail.

The reward in the case is now up to $30,000.

Cleveland City Council President Martin Sweeney is heading up fundraising efforts for the growing reward.

"I would ask the perpetrator if they're watching to turn himself in, and if you know something, do this for your community, or if for the money, do it that way," Sweeney said.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 216-252-7463.