Up To $10,000 Reward Offered For Info On Car Arsonist

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA – Gwinnett County Fire Investigators are trying to identify the person they believe is responsible for a vehicle arson fire at The Views at Coolray Field Luxury Apartment Flats, located at 755 Braves Avenue in unincorporated Lawrenceville.

The fire occurred on Sunday, Aug. 26, around 2:46 a.m. Firefighters responded to the gated parking lot off Buford Drive and found a 2004 Buick LeSabre fully-involved. Radiant heat from the intense flames also caused moderate cosmetic damage to four other vehicles that were parked in close proximity. The sedan was a total loss due to the fire.

Video surveillance footage obtained from the apartment complex shows an unknown man attempting to open a secure gate, then jumping the fence to gain access to the parking lot in front of the building. The person in the video is seen trying to enter multiple vehicles and running away as fire erupts from the corner of the parking lot. The footage also shows the man inside the lobby and stairwell of the building prior to going outside and setting the fire. It is not known how he got inside the secure building.

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“This is a bold act and the person responsible should be held accountable,” said Gwinnett Fire Captain Tommy Rutledge. Once apprehended, the suspect will likely face a host of charges to include: arson, criminal trespass, burglary and entering auto. Arson is a serious felony crime and is punishable by imprisonment and associated fines.

Anyone with information about the fire or the person responsible is asked to contact the Gwinnett Fire Investigations Section at 678-518-4890 or the Georgia Arson Control Hotline at 1-800-282-5804. Georgia Arson Control, Inc. offers a reward of UP TO $10,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for arson. Tips may be made anonymously.

Photos courtesy Gwinnett County Fire Department