UPDATE:
55-year-old Bradley Stephen Holmes was arrested for misconduct involving weapons, arson, and endangerment, among others, for the multiple Molotov cocktail device incidents. Thankfully, no one was injured related to these incidents.
The first report was on January 7 around 7:50 p.m. in a plaza at Hayden Road and East Via de Ventura. Authorities say they received a call for a silver Lexus that was on fire. The second report was the following Saturday, January 14, around 7:15 p.m. in the parking lot of Postino Highland. A spokesperson for Scottsdale police says witnesses heard a loud crash and then saw a Tesla on fire. We’re told those witnesses reportedly used dirt to help put out the fire.
According to Barb Flynn, who was sitting on the patio of Postino’s on Saturday night, “These flames were just up in the air, thick, black smoke.” Flynn’s car was parked three spots down from the vehicle that caught fire, “it was like streaks on the ground as if someone had thrown something, and it just skidded across the ground and went up in flames.”
On January 26, Scottsdale officials shared two more incidents, one on Tuesday, January 17, and another on Saturday, January 21. The third report, on January 17, happened at the same location as the January 14 incident, at Postino Highland around 8:45 p.m. Minor damage to a parked vehicle from a glass object was reported. The fourth report happened on January 21 around 8 p.m. in the parking lot of Campo Italian, near Hayden Road and Via de Ventura. No injuries or property damage was reported.
Scottsdale police say there are no known suspects at this time. They went on to say that since there are only two incidents that they know of at this time, it would be difficult to determine if a suspect or suspects are targeting specific vehicles.
In light of these incidents, local residents are concerned for their safety and the safety of their vehicles. One resident, John Smith, said, “It’s really scary to think that someone is going around throwing Molotov cocktails at vehicles. I hope they catch the person or persons responsible soon.”
Scottsdale police are asking anyone with information to call 480-312-8477 (TIPS). They say you can remain anonymous. They also advise local residents to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity or individuals to the police immediately.
The investigation is ongoing, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available. In the meantime, the Scottsdale police department is urging residents to take precautions and be vigilant in keeping their property safe.
In conclusion, the Scottsdale police department is actively investigating the recent incidents of vehicle arson involving Molotov cocktails. They are urging anyone with information to come forward and are reminding residents to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity or individuals to the police immediately. The safety of the community is of the utmost importance, and the police department is working tirelessly to bring the person or persons responsible to justice.