Florida Seeks Information on String of Jacksonville Arsons

The Florida State Fire Marshal’s Office is looking for information about a string of arsons that occurred early the morning of December 8th, 2015, in Jacksonville, Fla. Around 3:00 a.m., a porch surveillance camera captured an image of the suspect, according to a statement from the Florida Department of Financial Services.

DFS reports the first incident was a palm tree that was set on fire at the corner of Valencia Road and Van Wert Avenue shortly before 3:00 a.m. The suspect proceeded to check the door handles of multiple vehicles along Valencia Road before vandalizing a pick-up truck.

After moving to Dancy Street, the suspect broke into a truck, stole papers from inside the cab, and placed them in the gas tank before attempting to ignite them, according to DFS. The suspect then made his way to Boone Park Avenue, where he detached a wooden plank from a fence and proceeded back to Dancy Street where he set a vehicle on fire which resulted in a total loss. His final fire occurred at an occupied residence on Oak Street. The fire was started on the porch at the front door, and then spread to the attic.

Based on images released from DFS, the suspect can be described as a white male weighing between 250 – 300lbs. He appears to be between 25 and 35 years of age with dark hair and a dark beard. He appeared to be wearing a white t-shirt, a grey and black coat, dark grey pants, and possibly bedroom slippers.

The investigations into these arsons remain open and ongoing. Anyone with information or who wishes to report an arson-related crime in Florida can call the Arson Tip Hotline at 1-877-NO-ARSON. Callers can elect to remain anonymous.

Source: Florida Department of Financial Services

Topics Florida