This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Crime & Safety

Bel Air Car Fires Spark Arson Investigation

A deputy from the Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal believes the incidents are connected.

The Office of the Maryland State Fire Marshal is investigating several recent car fires in Bel Air that are believed to be arson-related.

The two most recent incidents occurred Monday at about 3:45 a.m., in the 800 block of Leeswood Road, and about 4:15 a.m., in the 900 block of Brighton Court.

A pair of April 8 vehicle fires in the 1000 block of Manchester Court at about 4:45 a.m., are also connected, said Joseph Walters, deputy state fire marshal. The three addresses are a little more than a mile apart.

Find out what's happening in Bel Airwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“At this point, the only thing I have is that it’s in the same area. I don’t have any other clue about what their motive is ," Walters said.

“I have no link to anybody," he added. "None of the family members [whose cars were burned] knew each other.”

Find out what's happening in Bel Airwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Walters said a person of interest has been identified, but no arrests have been made.

The Leeswood Road fire caused about $4,000 in damage to a 2001 Nissan Altima, with about $300 in contents lost.

A 2002 Volkswagon Cabrio, also valued at $4,000 with about $300 of contents inside, was burned in the Brighton Court blaze.

A 2000 Volkswagen Jetta and 2009 Toyota Highlander were burned in the Manchester Court fire. Damage estimates for those vehicles were not available.

The responded to the blazes, which were all contained in 20 minutes or less.

Walters said all four fires began in the passenger compartment and that residents in the area should take precautions to protect their vehicles, especially in early morning hours.

“Lock the cars, make sure that you take valuables out and keep an eye out on the area. Light up the area,” Walters said. “The last thing I want is a fourth fire.”

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.