Orono Police Issue Update on Torching of Squad Cars

The following information was released Friday afternoon by the Orono Police Department:

On Sept. 14 at 2:52 a.m., 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 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, rifle, 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 a possible arson. A bottle containing an accelerant was found nearby and is being processed by the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office Crime Lab. The State Fire Marshall’s office is also assisting with the investigation.

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

Around the web:

• Fire destroys 2 Orono police cars; arson suspected
• Police: 2 Squad Cars In Long Lake Destroyed By Fire
• Orono police cars set ablaze in apparent arson three months after being smashed by giant fish
• 2 police vehicles destroyed by fire in Orono