Arson Squad Investigating String Of Fires In South Mpls.
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – The Minneapolis arson squad is investigating five fires started in cars or garages on the city's south side since late last month.
Police say the fires were started in unlocked cars or in garages, where leaf bags or garbage were lit on fire. All the incidents happened at night, and within a few blocks of Peavey Park in the city's Philips neighborhood.
In one case, the suspect was described as a man. In another, witnesses said the suspect was a man in his 40s, carrying a backpack and wearing a baseball cap with a military logo and a gold braid on the bill.
The first one happened on Oct. 30 at a sweat lodge on the 1600 block of East 19th Street. The second happened on Nov. 4 in an unlocked car on the 1900 block of Elliot Avenue South.
The next two both happened on the night of Nov. 9. First, a fire was set in a garage on the 1900 block of Elliot Avenue South. About two hours later, another fire was set in a garage on the 2100 block of 13th Avenue South.
The most recent fire happened on Nov. 17 in an unlocked car on the 1800 block of 13th Avenue South.
Anyone with information on the fires is asked to call 612-673-3389.