Waynesboro Police investigate suspicious fire

The Waynesboro Police Department is requesting assistance from the public regarding a suspicious vehicle file that occurred last week in the city’s Wayne Hills neighborhood.  On July 21 at approximately 11:30 p.m., the Waynesboro Emergency Operations Center received a call about a fire in the alleyway between the 600 blocks of Bluff and Highland Avenues.

Initially thought to be a structure fire, responding emergency crews discovered a vehicle fully engulfed in flames.  Members of the Waynesboro Fire Department were able to quickly extinguish the fire before it threatened nearby residences in the densely populated neighborhood.  Once the fire was out, officers and the fire marshal examined the charred remains of the 2004 Toyota Scion.  The vehicle was a total loss.

Investigators determined no mechanical problems led to the vehicle fire and believe it was either intentionally set or was some other sort of malicious activity.   Also, the vehicle had been moved from the owner’s residence on South Delphine Avenue to where it caught on fire.  Investigators are examining the possibility of the vehicle having been stolen before it burned.

Anyone with information in this case is asked to call Detective Alyssa Zullig at the Waynesboro Police Department at (540) 942-6511 or Central Shenandoah Crime Stoppers at 1(800) 322-2017.  Information given to Crime Stoppers may be given anonymously.  Callers with information that lead to an arrest in this case are eligible for a cash reward of up to $1000.