09-02-2013 Suspect Sought in String of Vehicle Fires

Captain Anthony Moore with the Fire Investigation Division said the fires were located between the 5100 and 5600 blocks of Brainerd Road, with one off Brainerd Road on North St. Marks. In all, the suspect tried to burn up four cars and one van, and they occurred within the span of about 20 minutes.

Captain Moore said one car was seriously damaged, but most had minimal damage. The suspect apparently used the same method in each incident, trying to start the fire by removing the gas cap and placing something on fire in the opening to the gas tank. Fortunately, the suspect's method did not work very well, except for one vehicle. No one was injured.

Lt. Henry McElvain is assisting with the investigation, along with the Chattanooga Police Department. The investigation will continue.