Register now, it's free! |
Honda driver asks: Why mine?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Published on: 07/25/08
Frank Escalera of Milton rolled over in bed about 2:30 a.m. Friday and awoke to strange glow outside his window.
It was his beloved 2007 blue-gray Mercedes in his driveway. Flames were creeping from the trunk to the hood.
|
"I thought, 'This can't be,'" he said Friday as he stared at the ash and ruin that remained. He fought the blaze with a hose before firefighters arrived but the car was damaged beyond recovery. Then he heard the clincher.
"A firefighter told me I was the third one," Escalera said. "I couldn't believe it."
In fact, there were six incidents involving Molotov cocktails -- incendiary devices made of gasoline-filled bottles plugged with rags -- starting at 10:30 p.m. Thursday until 2:30 a.m. Friday. Three cars were heavily damaged. Two driveways were set on fire.
Another device was found that caused no damage, according to Milton authorities. There were no injuries and no damage to homes.
Officials believe it was random. Of the cars destroyed, two were Mercedes, one was a Honda. Two incidents were in the Fairmont subvision, one was nearby. One of the victims works at Macy's, one is a schoolteacher and one is an airport baggage handler. None claim to know of any enemies they might have. All the cars were parked in driveways.
Police say a witness saw a noisy Ford or Chevrolet pickup in the area of one of the firebombings.
Another victim, who asked to be identified only as "Joe," said there were cars parked all along his street when his leased 2006 Honda was torched.
"Why did he pick mine?" he asked.
As he walked from the mailbox, past the scorched driveway, he shook his head and said: "What's the matter with people?"
Anyone with information can call Milton Fire Capt. John Dancsecs at 404-867-2195.
Vote for this story!
More on ajc.com
- 3 cars torched overnight (07/26/2008)
- Ex-drummer in crash out of Augusta hospital (09/30/2008)
- 1 dead in fiery crash on I-285 (09/29/2008)
- Fire at London children's hospital injures 4 (09/29/2008)
- 2 young brothers die in Louisiana apartment fire (09/27/2008)
- 12 racehorses die in fire at La. breeding center (09/25/2008)
- A hunt in garbage helps solve eco-terrorism spree (09/25/2008)
- Fire destroys pool house at Ludacris' home (09/25/2008)
- Sprinklers douse 2 fires in Las Vegas hotels (09/23/2008)
- Crew, firefighters battle cargo ship fire in Miami (09/23/2008)
Inside AJC.COM
Weekend plans?
Andy Roddick play in a charity tennis tourney; Mary J. Blige, Taste of Atlanta and more
What's your home worth?
Compare prices of homes sold in your neighborhood by zip code, address or subdivision
Entertainment on a dime
Save a little (or a lot) when you're planning fun things to do with friends this week.




DEL.ICIO.US





