The so-called "Allston Flamer," suspected in a rash of earlier car fires, may have struck again, said investigators after an early morning blaze yesterday ravaged an unlocked Ford Ranger pickup truck, one of four vehicles parked in a driveway on Highgate Street.
"They came out and did determine that it was an arson fire, that it was set," Boston Fire Department spokesman Steve MacDonald said. "They certainly have patterns similar to the other arson fires in this neighborhood."
At least eight cars have been destroyed in the student-heavy neighborhood since August, including four in one day on Sept. 25, and residents dubbed the unknown firebug the "Allston Flamer." All involve fires set in unlocked cars during the early morning weekend hours, MacDonald said.
Police are looking for a medium-build white man in his 20s wearing a gray peacoat and ski cap, who was seen near the truck before and after yesterday's fire, which also wrecked more than $1,000 worth of DJ equipment. People with tips are encouraged to call 617-343-3324.
"It's really a crime," MacDonald said. "We could use the public's help."
Lee Nason, 24, whose roommate's car was set on fire on Pratt Street in September, said the neighborhood is not hopeful for a quick resolution.
"Police have been trying . . . but no matter what they do, it's not going to get the job done," Nason said. "If somebody wants to go out and burn cars, then he's going to go out and burn cars."
McClatchy-Tribune News Service
