Albany officials investigating vehicle arson

ALBANY — Fire and law enforcement officials are investigating the circumstances behind a vehicle arson over the weekend, and are looking for the public’s help in solving the crime.

The time frame was from 7:40 p.m. to 8:04 p.m. on Sunday, and the vehicle involved was a gray, 2008 Pontiac Grand Prix registered in Georgia. Phyllis Banks, spokeswoman for the Albany Police Department, said officers responded to the 600 block of Silica Drive to assist the Albany Fire Department with a suspected arson incident. The vehicle was on fire in a wooded area along the railroad tracks.

AFD Arson Investigator Sam Harris responded to the scene to assist with the on-scene investigation of the incident, and all attempts to make contact with the listed owner were unsuccessful. At the request of Harris, the vehicle was towed from the scene by Shipp’s Wrecker Service and stored, Banks said.

Harris confirmed to The Albany Herald that the fire is being classified as an arson, and said that the fire is thought to have been set in the interior of the passenger compartment.

There are no known witnesses or suspects to this incident, and the case has been forwarded to the APD Detectives Bureau and AFD Arson Investigation Section.

Those with information on the incident are being asked to contact Albany Area CrimeStoppers at (229) 436-TIPS (8477). CrimeStoppers is an anonymous tipline through which people can become eligible for cash rewards.