February 4, 2019

AMOUNT: $7,800

In October 2017 a 2005 red BMW X5 was found burned in a parking lot. Investigators reviewed surveillance footage from a nearby business that revealed a man standing at the open engine compartment of the BMW before the fire erupted. The video shows a flash of light from the sunroof of the BMW which investigators claim was the ignition of vapors. As the man left the scene in a station wagon, smoke began to leak out of the vehicle. Later, more footage was found with the man purchasing $2.60 of gasoline which he pumped into a container. The fire department found that the man had been hired by the BMW's owner to torch the car for insurance proceeds. The man was sentenced to 74 days in jail, a fine of $625, and was ordered to pay court fees and restitution. The car owner plead non-guilty and has a jury trial in March.