New surveillance video released of arson suspect in Overbrook

PHILADELPHIA (WTXF) - There's new surveillance video of a man police believe may be behind more than half a dozen arsons in Overbrook overnight that left seven cars torched and a home damaged after a roaring dumpster fire next to the building.

"That's always dangerous. Fire knows no limits," said Overbrook resident David Fattah Monday night.

FOX 29 obtained surveillance video of the man at 56th and Master as he set the dumpster fire outside a corner grocery store, then returned seconds later and reignited the fire which lead to this roaring blaze.

"Somebody knows something, knows this individual," said Lt. John Walker of Southwest Detectives. "Please give us that information so we can get this guy off the street."

"It doesn't make sense for somebody to go around endangering themselves and the whole neighborhood," Fattah added.

That was one in a string of arsons across Overbrook that destroyed four cars and seriously damaged three others. The fires left victims, who didn't want to be identified, struggling for answers.

"I opened up the gas tank and there was fire physically inside of my gas tank," said one arson victim who asked not to be identified

"It's outrageous because we had multiple vehicles on this block. It could have been one of mine. I can't afford for my car to be on fire," neighbor Jamell Pratt told FOX 29.

Detectives are now trying to determine if these fires might be connected to a series of auto storage lot fires in the same area, dating back to last November. In one blaze, the suspect's arm caught fire. He was never caught.

Detectives say the suspect may be using a can of lighter fluid. Police estimate the damage to cars at over $140,000. There's no specific motive for the fires or type vehicle the suspect is targeting. Police believe he's acting alone.