A couple in DeKalb County, Georgia, are seeking answers after their car and work truck were deliberately set on fire outside their home in the early hours of November 1.
Security footage appears to show a person carrying a container, pouring a liquid over the vehicles and igniting them shortly after 1am. The suspect continued despite security lights coming on, while a neighbour’s camera captured a silver SUV turning around after the blaze was started.
Billye and Keith Green, who have lived at the property for more than 20 years, said they did not know who could be responsible or why they had been targeted.
Billye Green said she was woken by the incident and saw the vehicles engulfed in flames. Her husband ran outside with a fire extinguisher, but it quickly ran out as flames rose high above the truck.
The couple said the fire could have spread to their home had it not been tackled quickly. They have rejected the idea that a disgruntled employee from their painting business was behind the attack.
Investigators are reviewing footage from nearby cameras, including Flock automated number-plate recognition cameras, in an effort to identify the vehicle seen leaving the area. The Greens said police were pursuing one final lead, although they described it as a long shot.
“We need to do what’s necessary to catch them,” the couple said.
The Greens are now relying on rental cars and paying extra for full cover in case the suspect returns. They estimate that replacing the two vehicles will cost at least $20,000.
DeKalb County Police confirmed that the suspected arson remains under investigation. Georgia Arson Control is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to an arrest and conviction.
Anyone with information can contact the Georgia Arson Control hotline on 1-800-282-5804.
