Suspects Sought for the Burning of a Vehicle at Gas Station in Milton
by Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday, August 9, 2011 at 4:50pm
On Saturday, August 6th, 2011 at 0546 hours, the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office was dispatched to 2783 Avalon Blvd., Milton, FL (Raceway Convenience Store) in reference to a vehicle fire. When deputies arrived, they saw a vehicle parked in front of the establishment fully engulfed in flames. The vehicle belonged to the store clerk. The fire department arrived and was able to extinguish the fire before it caused damage to the building. Deputies spoke with the clerk who stated the following. A dark colored van arrived at approximately 0530 hours occupied by four black male subjects. One entered the store and attempted to purchase beer. The subject was informed that beer was not sold until 0700 hours. The subject then left and a few minutes later the clerk saw her car in flames.
The owner of the store came and was able to look at the store surveillance video. The video showed what appeared to be a dark colored Dodge Caravan pull into the parking lot next to the clerk’s vehicle. Four black males exited and walked around the van for a short time while one walked into the store. Shortly after, two younger looking black males exited the van and pulled a gas can out of the rear passenger side door and set it on the ground next to the van. They then attempted to light the top of the can with a lighter. Nothing happened and they placed the can back inside the van. As soon as they placed it back inside the van, flames began to shoot out of the can. They then grabbed the can, which was fully engulfed in flames, and threw it out of the van onto the pavement, landing next to the clerk’s vehicle. This caught the clerk’s vehicle on fire. All of the subjects then got back into the van and drove out of the parking lot. The vehicle was a total loss.
The case is under investigation with the State Fire Marshal. No suspects are known at this time. Anyone with information concerning the identity of the subjects involved in this incident is asked to contact Santa Rosa County Crime Stoppers at 437-STOP or www.srccs.com. You will remain anonymous and you could receive a cash reward of up to $1000.00.
