Recent car and garbage can fires in the Lincoln parking garage have prompted police investigation and led detectives to believe the fires were an intentional act of arson.
No witnesses have come forward with information regarding the fires and police have yet to produce a suspect or motive for the incidents, said Detective Jeff Dustin of the Boise Police Department.
“What we are asking here is that the public keep an eye out for suspicious activity on campus and report it to campus security or police,” Dustin said. “I could walk around campus personally, but that would keep me from my work, and I wouldn’t notice something suspicious happening like students who spend every day there could.”
Police were first contacted about the fires by a parking employee who noticed smoke pouring out of the roof of the Lincoln parking garage on Oct 11, around 6:45 a.m.
Firefighters responded and extinguished two vehicles belonging to students on the top story of the complex.
“We obviously suspected the fires were intentional since they were separated by fifteen or sixteen parking spaces,” Dustin said.
Additionally, several garbage cans have been set ablaze prompting police to suspect serial arson in the area.
“I have no evidence indicating whether the acts are related, but it does seem a bit suspicious,” Dustin said.
Police are left with little information about the fires, and help from the Boise State community is necessary to solve these crimes.
“People can submit information anonymously through Crimestoppers,” Dustin said. “I understand some people may not want to get involved with the police, they are busy with work and school, but a supportive community can really make things easier for us, and safer for everyone.”
Police strongly urge anyone with information regarding these incidents to contact Crime Stoppers at 343-COPS, or log onto www.343cops.com, or text CRIMES or 274637, subject: Tip236.
Police are offering a $1,000 reward to anyone who can provide information leading to an arrest.
