Investigators in Indianapolis are searching for a man who allegedly started a fire in the street and then returned to reignite the blaze in front of firefighters Tuesday.
Wayne Township firefighters responded to a hazardous materials call in the 2800 block of Lyons Avenue on the city's southwest side, WRTV-TV reports. That spill caused a small blaze along the street that crews extinguished.
According to the fire department, a liquid accelerant had been found spread about two blocks north on Lyons Avenue, as well as east on Ironton Street to Rybolt Avenue. Witnesses told investigators that a man was seen setting the accelerant on fire before fleeing the area.
But that wasn't the last time the man was seen at the site of the spill and the blaze he allegedly caused.
"While firefighters were on scene awaiting the fire investigator, the individual returned to the scene at Ironton Street and Rybolt and attempted to re-light the fire in clear view of firefighters," Wayne Township Fire Capt. Michael Pruitt told WRTV.
Once they spotted the alleged arsonist, firefighters began pursuing the man, who sped away in a light-colored, four-door sedan. No one was injured in either incidents.
Authorities have yet to determine a motive for the fires, and they continue to investigate the case. Anyone with information should call the Wayne Township Fire Department at (317) 246-6200 or Crime Stoppers at (317) 262-TIPS.
