Possible arsonist burns 3 cars in Mishawaka

MISHAWAKA, Ind. – The Mishawaka Fire Marshal says he believes three suspicious car fires from overnight are connected. The first fire happened in the 500 block of West Grove Street around 1:00am. By approximately 2:00am, a two more cars were on fire on David Street and Christyann Street, both near the train tracks.

 “We heard boom and then it (the hood) flung up like this and flames shot up higher than the power lines right there.” Shayne Roper, whose noticed his car was on fire around 2:00am on Christyann Street, said.

Roper says he was inside of a house, that he is currently rehabbing, when he heard a car alarm and then an explosion.

“I ran outside and saw the driver’s side door was wide open and the car was engulfed in flames.” He said.

Roper says tools were also stolen out of his vehicle.

His story is similar to the other two fires. The owner of a truck that burned on West Grove Street says his passenger side door was open when firefighters arrived. He says tools, including a pry bar, were stolen out of the vehicle.

Roper says he was told there is evidence that his door was pried open.

He also discovered burned skateboard parts next to his vehicle. He does not own a skateboard and believes the person who set his car on fire left it there.

Investigators say they’re canvassing the area for surveillance and cell phone video. They’re also asking anyone who may have video from the incidents to contact the Mishawaka Fire Marshal or the Mishawaka Police Department.