Four vehicles damaged in suspicious fire at Hamilton Mountain dealership

Police say an overnight fire that damaged several vehicles at a Hamilton Mountain car dealership is being investigated as arson.

Fire crews were initially called around 1 a.m. Tuesday for a report of a dumpster fire at Bay King Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram.

When they arrived, they found three pick-up trucks on fire at the back of the dealership on Rymal Road near Upper James Street. The heat of the fire also damaged a van.

“There were four vehicles that were involved — three that are complete write-offs and one that should be able to be fixed,” said Jamie Richter, owner of Bay King Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram.

A spokesperson for the fire department says another crew was called in to help battle the blaze.

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Fortunately, no one was injured.

Hamilton police reviewed security video and determined the fire to be suspicious. Investigators say it appears that someone poured flammable liquid on the trucks.

“We are aware that a VIL — a volatile ignitable liquid — probably gasoline, was poured onto the vehicles and then they were ignited,” said Det. Greg Blunsdon of the Hamilton police arson unit.

“At this point, we’re too early to determine how many exact people there were. It was one individual that lit the vehicles on fire but we feel there were more in the general area.”

The estimated cost of damage is approximately $200,000.

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At this time, police do not know why the pick-up trucks were targeted.

“We’re too early in the investigation to get into motive,” Blunsdon said.

“We’re just trying to gather as much video surveillance, witness statements. If you were driving by the area during that time and you have information that you feel could be helpful, it would be great if you could get in contact with detectives.”

While the lot was being cleaned up, Richter says Bay King Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram was back to business Tuesday.

“Just more frustration in the morning than anything else,” he said. “Beyond that we’re back up and running and there are no issues in that respect.”

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