Police officer's home, car torched

By Associated Press

For the AJC

Authorities say they suspect an arsonist set fire to a Watkinsville police officer's home and car as the officer and his girlfriend slept in the middle of the night.

Insurance Commissioner John Oxendine says the fire was reported around 3:47 a.m. Sunday in the town just south of Athens. The officer, William Horton, was awakened by the sound of a tire on his car exploding from the heat of the fire. Oxendine says the officer and his girlfriend escaped unharmed.

Oxendine says it was well-known that Horton was a police officer, and authorities believe that may be why he was targeted.

Horton's Chevy Trail Blazer and a golf cart were destroyed, though there was only minor damage to the home. Anyone with information about the fire can call 800-282-5804. A $10,000 reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest and conviction.