Clayton police are investigating after a series of vehicle fires broke out this morning, leaving multiple cars scorched and the surrounding community on alert. As reported by FOX2 Now, the incident happened just after 3 a.m. on the 7500 block of Westmoreland Avenue, close to North Hanley Road, and resulted in at least three vehicles being significantly damaged by fire.
Authorities, having established a perimeter marked by yellow crime scene tape, are piecing together clues, and according to KSDK, the St. Louis Regional Bomb and Arson Unit has joined the investigation to ascertain the cause lending their expertise amid speculation of criminal intent behind the blazes.
Adding to the complexity of the case, the Clayton Fire Department alongside other units responded to the early morning call, and while thankfully no injuries were reported, the presence of an allegedly offensive message spray-painted near the scene has raised questions about a broader malignant motive, as detailed in a statement obtained by FOX2 Now
First Alert 4 enhanced the investigation narrative by deploying a drone which captured images of the very specific message near one of the burned-out vehicles; however, Clayton Police have yet to confirm or deny any suspicions linking the incident to a hate crime while Bomb and Arson detectives are still on scene, actively dissecting every possible lead.
