Miami Police are asking the public for information about an arson that occurred early yesterday morning, where several vehicles were set on fire at an apartment building in Allapattah. Residents were awakened around 2:30 a.m. by flames engulfing three cars and damaging a fourth, leading to significant concern and evacuations due to safety risks, according to CBS News report.
Amid the chaos, 82-year-old Walter Munoz, an Allapattah resident, lost his Toyota Corolla. On a tight budget, he expressed his confusion about the situation, saying, "I was confused when I did find out what was going on outside. I had to stay outside for a while," in a statement obtained by CBS News.
Although his car insurance covers the loss, the car was their only mode of transportation. Despite the ordeal, Munoz remained optimistic, noting, "My wife suffers from a little bit of high blood pressure but they checked her out, but thank God we're OK," in a WSVN report.
The flames not only destroyed vehicles but also damaged nearby structures. Fire and police departments quickly arrived at the scene on NW 31st Street. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
Surveillance footage is currently under review by the Miami Police, although they have yet to release the video or a suspect description. Officer Mike Vega, a spokesman for the Miami Police Department, stated that the individual responsible for setting the blaze could face charges of arson and battery, as the fire endangered the lives of residents inside a building. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Miami Police or Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers by calling (305) 471-TIPS (8477)
