When police arrived, they spoke with the homeowner who said he had just put the fire out before they arrived.
“(The owner) then showed (the officer) fresh, melted burns on the siding on the north side of his residence. Water was also seen on the siding and ground near the burns, as well as a broken and burnt mason jar,” the report said. “Near the front porch, (the officer) observed another mason jar, that was not broke. This jar had a hole cut in the lid, a gas-soaked rag hanging out of it, and the jar full of gasoline.”
As well as smelling a strong odor of gasoline, officers also found two more broken mason jars near the victim’s car that resulted in gas getting on the outside of his car.
The victim told police that he and six children were in bed before the fire started, but no one was injured, the report said.
No suspect or witness information was available.
Springfield police continue their investigation into this arson incident.
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