Miami Police are searching for the culprit behind an intentional fire that destroyed five cars outside a residential building. Among the vehicles was a Mercedes-Benz SUV that its owner, a single mother, had purchased just two months ago.
The woman, named Nancy Echavarría, has lived in the building, located in the area of NW 76th Street and North Miami Avenue, for five years. The arson occurred early Wednesday morning. According to América TeVe, city firefighters responded to the emergency call around 4:40 a.m.
While the firefighters quickly extinguished the blaze, four vehicles were completely destroyed, and another was damaged. The Mercedes-Benz SUV was the most affected.
"I don't understand why someone would do something like this. I'm a single mother with two kids, and now I'm also without a car. I don't know who could do this because they have no heart," Nancy said.
"I was asleep and didn't hear anything; my child was the one who told me. I don't understand it. I worked hard to have a nice car; I was going to give that car to my child who is graduating," she added.
Fortunately, no one was injured in the blaze.
Mike Vega, a spokesperson for the Miami Police, confirmed that the fire was intentionally set. Detectives are working to obtain surveillance footage and speaking with neighbors to gather any information. So far, there are no leads.
"We know the vehicle owners are now affected, and we're trying to determine if one person intentionally set all the vehicles on fire or if the fire was meant for one vehicle and spread to the others parked nearby," Vega explained.
Authorities are urging anyone who saw someone fleeing the area around the time of the fire to contact them through the Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers line at (305) 471-8477.
Details on the Miami Arson Attack
Below are some frequently asked questions regarding the recent arson attack in Miami, targeting a single mother's newly purchased Mercedes-Benz SUV.
When did the arson attack occur?
The arson attack occurred early Wednesday morning, with emergency services responding around 4:40 a.m.
How many vehicles were destroyed in the fire?
Five vehicles were affected by the fire, with four being completely destroyed and one sustaining damage.
What is the police doing to find the arsonist?
Police are reviewing surveillance footage and speaking with neighbors to gather any information that might lead to the identification of the arsonist.
How can the public assist in the investigation?
Anyone who saw someone fleeing the area around the time of the fire is urged to contact the authorities through the Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers line at (305) 471-8477.