Man Arrested After Suspicious Vehicle Fires Behind CVS: Police

NEW ROCHELLE, NY — A suspicious car fire led to the arrest of a New Rochelle man, who police say admitted his involvement in the bizarre incident.

On Tuesday, around 7:15 p.m., the New Rochelle Police Department received several 911 calls reporting two vehicles on fire in parking spaces on Lawton Street, behind the CVS pharmacy.

Once officers arrived on the scene, they confirmed that two vehicles were engulfed in flames, which led to an expedited response from the New Rochelle Fire Department.

After extinguishing the blaze, fire officials saw indications that the incident appeared to be suspicious in nature.

Investigators found that a dark-colored BMW SUV, registered to Mark Turner, was the origin of the fire. The flames from the BMW spread to an adjacent SUV, which resulted in the complete destruction of both vehicles.

Witnesses told police that they saw a man dressed in all black near the scene right before the fire's outbreak. The man was seen moving between the BMW and a nearby trash receptacle several times before smoke began coming out of the vehicle, those witnesses told police.

The man then calmly walked north on Lawton Street, leaving the area as the BMW became fully engulfed, according to the witnesses.

After officers canvassed the area, they soon found Turner nearby. When questioned, he admitted to being the driver of the BMW, police said.

Detectives and fire investigators processed the scene and collected evidence. Based on their findings, Turner was arrested. The 55-year-old was charged with felony third-degree arson, and felony second-degree criminal mischief.

NRPD says the investigation remains ongoing, and is asking anyone with information about the fire to call 914-654-2300.