Sarasota Playground Damaged By Suspicious Fire

SARASOTA, FL -- A Sarasota playground was damaged by what police described as a suspicious fire Monday night. Video of the incident showed flames shooting from a wooden platform surround playground equipment.

The incident occurred around 9 p.m. at Pioneer Park, which is located at 1121 Cocoanut Avenue, according to Genevieve Judge of the Sarasota Police Department.

"The Sarasota County Fire Department responded at 9:08 p.m. and extinguished the fire by 9:16 p.m.," Judge said. "Due to the speed and magnitude of the fire, the State Marshal’s Office determined the fire was set intentionally. Firefighters classified the fire as a 'malicious mischief' because it was not a dwelling. "

To report a tip, call the Sarasota Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at 941-954-7070 or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers by calling 941-366-TIPS. Alternatively, visit www.sarasotacrimestoppers.com.