Arson investigation underway after multiple police cars set on fire in McKeesport

An arson investigation is underway after four police cars were set on fire in the parking lot of the McKeesport station overnight Wednesday.

McKeesport Police Chief Mark Steele told Channel 11 News he was woken early on Tuesday morning by a call so disheartening that he was almost in disbelief until he arrived.

“It’s unbelievable that somebody could do that just go down there and set fire to police cars it’s very disheartening, I was in shock, I couldn’t believe what I saw when I got there,” Steele said.

The Federal Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms has determined the fire is arson.

According to investigators, a suspect or a group of suspects intentionally set four police cars parked in the lower lot of the station on fire just after 3 a.m.

Officials told Channel 11 News this incident could have been far worse.

“Arson is a crime of violence It is very serious that someone is willingly and intentionally setting not just any vehicle but let alone police vehicles on fire,” Joe Price with the Federal Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms said. “Law enforcement operation is 24 hours a day there could have been someone out there in the car at the time it is very dangerous.”

We asked where the department will go from here. Officials said their first step is to find and arrest the individual or individuals responsible.

“Law enforcement operation is 24 hours a day there could have been someone out there in the car at the time, it is hazardous,” Price said. “At this time, there’s a $5,000 information if anybody wants to contact the ATF or the  McKeesport police department with information.”

“I got all hands on deck and they are going to be working tirelessly until they get the bottom of this,” Steele said.

Anyone with information or surveillance video is asked to contact McKeesport police immediately.

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