Murfreesboro Fire & Rescue Department’s Fire Marshals’ Office is now asking for the public’s assistance for any information regarding the intentionally set car fires at Star Auto Sales (1915 South Church Street) that occurred April 29, 2015.
MFRD units responded to the business around 12:45 that morning to find heavy smoke and flames coming from a Dodge Charger. The fire also spread to part of the building, causing exterior damage. Another vehicle, a Mazda CX-7, received heavy damage due to heat exposure.
“We’ve followed several leads, but they did not turn up enough information,” said Assistant Fire Marshal Carl Peas. Peas hopes that by releasing Star Auto Sales’ surveillance video from the night of the fire, someone in the community may come forth with more information.
“You can see on the video, the subject is pouring an ignitable liquid between the two vehicles,” Peas said. “He makes a first attempt to start the fire by throwing a lit wick, but falls short. He moves closer on the second attempt and is successful starting the fire.”
According to Peas, the subject is facing charges including one count of arson and two counts of setting fire to personal property.
If you have any information regarding this case, please contact MFRD’s Fire Marshals’ Office at 615-849-2605 or Rutherford County Crime Stoppers at 615-893-STOP (7867) Monday through Friday 8:00 am-4:30 pm. Callers will remain anonymous and cash rewards of up to $1,000.00 are offered for information leading to the arrest of persons of interest.
*The video can be viewed on Murfreesboro Fire & Rescue Department's Facebook Page.