Crime & Safety

FBI Joins Search for Squad Car Arsonist; New Reward Offered

Three Orono squad cars sustained serious damage after an arsonist struck late last week.

At 2:52 a.m. on Sept. 14 an Orono police officer pulled into the police squad lot and found two squad cars fully engulfed in flames.  The Long Lake Fire Department responded and quickly put out the flames.  

The Minneapolis Division of the FBI and the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office is assisting the Orono Police Department with the investigation. A reward of up to $4,000 is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of person or persons responsible for this arson.

The two Orono Police squads had extensive damage and a third had minor damage. Damage estimates are approximately $100,000. Each squad contained video cameras, computers, radio equipment, rifles, emergency lighting, first aid equipment and other items used daily by the police officers. The vehicles with extensive damage are a 2010 Chevrolet Tahoe and a 2009 Dodge Charger.

This case is being investigated as arson. A bottle containing an accelerant was found nearby and is being processed by the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office Crime Lab.

Any information regarding this incident can be reported to the Orono Police Department at 952-249-4700 or 763-525-6210 (after business hours).

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