Burned Car Found On Highway 17 Needs Identification

LOS GATOS - The Santa Clara County Fire Department is looking for the public’s help in identifying a stolen vehicle discovered at Summit Road and Highway 17 early on Christmas Eve.

The vehicle, a 2013 Hyundai Accent, was stolen out of Gilroy two weeks earlier, arson investigator Drew Macierez said.

A man started the fire with an accelerant in the parking lot near the highway, which is a well-traveled area, and someone picked him up, Macierez said.

The fire was discovered about 1:30 a.m. December 24, 2015, according to authorities.

Investigators have spoken with some people who saw the fire, but believe there were other witnesses, according to Macierez.

Anyone who has information leading to an arrest and conviction in the case can receive a reward of up to $10,000, according to fire officials.

Tips can be made by contacting the county fire department’s arson explosives unit through its anonymous hotline at (888) 341-4401 or online at http://www.sccfd.org/arson-tip-line.

-Bay City News, image via Santa Clara County Fire Department