Fire marshal investigates arson

Published 2:55 pm Monday, March 20, 2017

The Suffolk Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating a stolen vehicle that was found on fire in Suffolk on Saturday night.

According to a city press release, a Portsmouth woman reported her black 2004 Dodge Durango stolen about 10:15 p.m. Saturday. She had left it running near her apartment in the 6500 block of Bickford Lane in Portsmouth as she unloaded groceries, according to the press release.

About a half-hour later, a passerby in the 3700 block of Sleepy Hole Road in Suffolk reported a vehicle on fire in a field. Suffolk Fire and Rescue responded and found the vehicle fully engulfed, according to the press release.

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Following the preliminary investigation, Fire Marshal Lt. Chuck Chapin ruled the fire arson.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP. Citizens can also use TipSoft to submit anonymous tips through the web, a text message or a smartphone with the TipSubmit mobile app. Visit www.tipsubmit.com or send a text to “CRIMES” with the keyword SPDVATIP. Tipsters never have to give their names or appear in court and may be eligible for a reward of up to $1,000.