Reward offered in attempted arson involving city vehicles

PHILADELPHIA (WTXF) - The ATF has announced a reward for information leading to an arson suspect who police say attempted to set fire to a number of city vehicles earlier this month.

Police are looking to identify and locate a suspect after surveillance video captured the man pouring gasoline inside an underground parking garage located directly beneath the Philadelphia Police Department's 12 District and the engine 40 firehouse on the 6400 block of Woodland Ave.

MORE: Police: Arsonist attempts to ignite city vehicles

Video shows the suspect soaking a sheet and other items in a flammable liquid and forming a path to a number of vehicles in the garage. The vehicles targeted included cars belonging to the Streets Department, and several private vehicles.

The suspect attempted to set fire to the path that led to the vehicles.

Investigators say the suspect entered the garage six times in a period of one hour, and at one point left for a half an hour, before returning with a baby stroller and a white sheet over his body.

The stroller was later recovered by an unknown woman after the suspect left it unattended.

Police have described the suspect as a black male, approximately 35-40 years of age, with a thin build, and full facial hair. Investigators say the suspect may be homeless and known in the area.

The ATF, Philadelphia Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #5 and the Philadelphia Firefighter's and Paramedic's Union, Local 22 have partnered and announced a combined reward of up to $15,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect.