Torched: Carsonist Strikes in East Bay
By JESSICA GREENE and CHRISTIE SMITH
Updated 2:46 PM PST, Wed, Nov 4, 2009
Between 3 a.m. and 5 a.m., someone in the East Bay torched as many as 10 vehicles in Contra Costa County in the Richmond and El Sobrante Area.
The cars, vans and SUVs were parked in driveways near homes, mostly along San Pablo Dam Road.
A homeowner on DeAnza Road woke to find his van and SUV in flames. Firefighters were already there pouring fire retardant on it. The van wasn't only set on fire, he told NBC Bay Area, but someone also stole the license plates off the vehicle.
The homeowner said there were no obvious signs of gasoline or anything but, clearly someone set these fires. He has lived in the home for 20 years he says with no problems and has had no trouble with anyone.
Contra Costa County fire is investigating, along with the Sheriff's Department and Richmond police. Officials say the fires appear to have been deliberately set.
No injuries were reported. A witness told police he saw a man in a black hoodie running from the scene.
Investigators have not confirmed if the car fires are related but they say they seem to be random.
Bay City News contributed to this report.
First Published: Nov 4, 2009 6:53 AM PST
You Might Like
You have 2000 characters left
