Pickup truck set on fire in Allston today
A 1995 black Ford Ranger pickup truck was set on fire this morning in Boston, marking the ninth vehicle arson in the past few months in the city’s Allston neighborhood, officials said.
“Fire investigators have determined the fire was set. It is arson,’’ said Steve MacDonald, spokesman for the Boston Fire Department.
No one was injured, he said.
The fire was reported around 6:57 a.m. in a driveway at 20 Highgate St., he said.
When firefighters arrived at the scene, flames were emerging from the passenger and driver sides of the Ford Ranger, MacDonald said. The fire was put out in about five minutes and did not extend to the back of the pickup, he said.
MacDonald said the fire did not damage three other cars parked in the same driveway.
“It is extremely disturbing that this has been going on for a couple of months,’’ said City Councilor Mark Ciommo, who represents Allston, in a phone interview. “It seems to be very random, which is even more troubling because of the danger of what a fire can do, not just to vehicles but to houses or anything nearby.’’
Ciommo said he has been in communication with police and fire officials and is hopeful that the cases will be solved soon.
“I have confidence in our police and fire departments and know they are doing everything within their power to solve this dangerous activity,’’ Ciommo said.
According to Boston Police, witnesses on scene said they saw a suspect near the car shortly before it caught fire and leaving the area shortly after. The suspect was described as a white male, in his 20s, 5 feet 9 inches tall, medium built, brown hair, wearing a blue/gray ski cap, and a gray pea coat.
Boston Police Officer Eddy Chrispin said the owner of the Ford told authorities he had DJ equipment inside the car valued at $1,350.
On Sept. 24, five cars were damaged in three separate arson cases in Allston. Those fires happened in the morning along Ashford and Pratt streets; no one was injured and no arrests were made. As of September, a total of eight cars were set on fire in Allston within a few months span.
There are some similarities among the fires. The cars were all parked in driveways or backyards, and they occurred early in the morning and on weekends, MacDonald said.
The fires remain under investigation. No further details were provided. Anyone with information is asked to call fire investigators at 617-343-3324 or police detectives at 617-343-4256. Information can also be provided anonymously by calling the CrimeStoppers Tip Line at 1-800-494-TIPS, or by texting “TIP’’ to CRIME (27463).
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