News

Actions

Police suspect arson after 2 cars catch fire in West Valley City

Posted at 6:06 PM, Jan 11, 2015
and last updated 2015-01-11 23:48:49-05

WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah – Police are looking for a suspected arsonist Sunday after two cars were set on fire in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Police in West Valley City said the two cars were located just a few blocks from each other, and both were found ablaze Sunday morning.

“Our fire department arrived with officers, they put the fire out and we started to investigate to figure out what’s going on,” said Lt. Jeff Conger, WVC PD.

A little after 3 a.m., police were called to 2891 South 350 West, where a small truck was completely engulfed in flames.

The truck was parked right outside of Ampelio Hernandez’s home, but he’d never seen it before it was already up in flames.

“It was like five or six feet of fire, like everywhere--all the way around the car,” he said.

About 3.5 hours later and about a mile south in a similar neighborhood, a 4-door sedan was found on fire. Police are interviewing the owner of this car, who was in the home where the car was found. Police are trying to determine a motive.

“Not really any witnesses to the fire,” Conger said. “We had people in the area we’ve been talking to, trying to figure out what’s going on. But, other than that, we’re still investigating and trying figure out if the two vehicles are actually related.”

Police have not officially confirmed whether the two fires are related but are asking for the public’s help. Anyone with any information is asked to contact West Valley City police.