JEDDAH, 12 July 2006 — Police in Makkah have arrested a suspected arsonist behind a series of mysterious car fires that have been disturbing the sleep of car owners in the city over the last month, a newspaper reported yesterday.
The man, who drew widespread attention a month ago with the torching of three cars in the Al-Salama district, recorded a statement at the General Court and admitted that he set the cars on fire just for the thrill of it.
Though Col. Saad Al-Hazmi of the Taneem police station launched an investigation, the car fires continued happening across the city.
According to investigators the suspect seemed to have grown in confidence and given the impression that he was enjoying a “game” of eluding investigators. On one occasion the arsonist sent a police officer a text message saying that he was fed up with the small fires produced by cars and would turn his attention to something more sensational such as a fuel station.
The message was a turning point in the investigation as it provided investigators a tangible lead to work on. Police tracked the cell phone the message was sent from and arrested the owner, an ex-convict, Al-Madinah said.
The man initially denied knowing anything about the crimes but later admitted to throwing firebrands that would slowly engulf the cars in flames giving him enough time to run away. The suspected arsonist said he committed the crimes just for the thrill of it and would only target cars with open windows.
Police have contacted the owners of the cars that have been sent on fire. The suspect will have to pay car owners compensation if convicted in court, Al-Madinah said.
