Police Investigating Arson Of

 Two Vehicles In Sandy Hook

By Andrew Gorosko

Police said this week they are seeking help from the public solving a crime in which an unidentified man early on the morning of Sunday, September 4, intentionally set fire to two motor vehicles that were parked near a Spring Trail residence in the Cedarhurst section, near Lake Zoar.

The two incidents occurred outdoors at 49 Spring Trail, police said. Police said the crimes amount to third-degree arson. There were no injuries.

The fires did not extend beyond the vehicles which burned, officials said. Police Officer Steven Borges conducted the initial investigation.

Police said that at about 2:33 am, they received a call reporting that a 2001 Yamaha motorcycle was afire outdoors at the Spring Trail property. Police and Sandy Hook firefighters responded to the scene to investigate and extinguish the fire, respectively.

At 4:39 am, police and firefighters again responded to the same address on a report of 1996 four-door Volkswagen Golf that was on fire, police said.

Police said they believe that the same man set both vehicle fires and that he was targeting an unidentified resident of the home by setting the fires.

“We’re in the preliminary stages of our investigation,” said Police Chief Michael Kehoe.

“We’re investigating all avenues,” added Lieutenant George Sinko.

Sandy Hook Fire Chief Bill Halstead said that volunteer firefighters who live in the area near the incident were able to control the vehicle fires with water from garden hoses before firefighters arrived to put out the blazes.

The arsonist apparently used some type of flammable liquid to start the fires, said Chief Halstead, who also is the town fire marshal.

Police Patrol Officer Stephen Ketchum, who is a deputy fire marshal, is participating in the probe for police, said Chief Halstead.

Initially, it seemed as if the motorcycle fire might have been accidental due to some equipment malfunction, but after the second vehicle was found ablaze in the area, it became apparent that both fires had been set, Chief Halstead said.

A suspect vehicle involved in the incident is described as a white or silver-colored four-door Volkswagen, according to police.

Police described the suspect as a white male about five feet, seven inches tall, wearing a dark hat, a dark shirt and jeans, with his hair protruding from under his hat.

A sketch of the suspect was provided in seeking to prompt leads from the public, who are asked contact the police at 203-426-5841.