What to Know
- A $5,000 reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest, conviction of an arson suspect.
- A device was placed underneath Brockton Mayor Bill Carpenter's city-owned SUV over the weekend, setting it ablaze before self-extinguishing.
- There is round-the-clock security in the neighborhood as the investigation continues.
Police in Brockton, Massachusetts are searching for an arsonist who set fire to the mayor’s vehicle.
Mayor Bill Carpenter was on a trip to Cape Verde when the city-owned SUV was set ablaze late Friday night or early Saturday morning.
The Department of Fire Services says the fire in the 2015 Ford Explorer had self-extinguished and caused minor damage before it was discovered Saturday.
No injuries were reported, but after returning home on Wednesday, Carpenter said Thursday morning it has been a difficult time for him and his family since the blaze.
"I think what's most upsetting to me is the impact on my family," he said during a press conference.
Investigators say it appears the fire, which was apparently started by a container set underneath the vehicle, quickly burned out on its own, but there is still round-the-clock security in the neighborhood as authorities search for a suspect. Carpenter said he hasn't received any direct threats leading up to the arson.
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"If someone was trying to get my attention, they got it," he said. "If we figure out who they are, they will get a lot more of our attention."
Neighbors said the fire sounded like an explosion.
"Sounded like a very loud bang," said David Simoes, who lives across the street. "Not your average firecracker… something very big."
A $5,000 reward is being offered for information that will lead to an arrest. Anyone with information on the suspected arson is asked to contact the Brockton Police Department at 508-941-0200.