Va. police investigate string of possible arson attacks

By Zach Crizer
The Roanoke Times

ROANOKE, Va. — Roanoke police are investigating four fires in northeast Roanoke as arsons. Three car fires and a house fire broke out late Friday and early Saturday within a few blocks of one another.

Police spokeswoman Aisha Johnson said the string of fires started at 11p.m., with a car fire in the 3000 block of Angell Avenue.

Just 32 minutes later, crews responded to the 600 block of Huntington Boulevard to another vehicle fire.

That fire also damaged a nearby building, according to Johnson.

Then, shortly after midnight Saturday, officers were called to the 700 block of Pearl Avenue for a vehicle fire.

Less than 15 minutes later, a residence fire in the 2900 block of Hollins Road drew the attention of officers and fire crews.

Firefighters at the scene of one of the vehicle fires spotted smoke coming from that house on Hollins Road and responded, according to Roanoke Fire-EMS spokeswoman Tiffany Bradbury.

The residence, according to Johnson, was not occupied at the time of the fire. Bradbury said fire officials have ruled all four fires intentionally set.

No one was hurt in any of the incidents. Johnson said no arrests have been made, but a witness saw three white males near one of the fires.

The witness said they appeared to be juveniles who wore dark clothing.

Johnson said police are attempting to locate the men as persons of interest.

Anyone with information regarding the incidents is asked to call Roanoke police at 853-2211 or Crime Line at 344-8500. Staff writer Duncan Adamscontributed to this report.

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