ROCHESTER — A vehicle owned by Chalamiysh Alexander was engulfed in flames early Saturday morning after suspected fireworks-related arson, authorities said.
The blaze was reported at approximately 2:20 a.m. at 398 South Main Street.
The Rochester Fire Department promptly extinguished the fire, but not before the vehicle was destroyed.
Rochester Fire Chief Terry Covery, suspecting foul play, enlisted the help of the VT Dept of Public Safety Fire & Explosion Investigation Unit to determine the fire’s origin and cause.
Investigators learned that a vehicle had been spotted setting off fireworks along South Main Street around the time of the fire, with embers likely igniting Alexander’s vehicle.
The ongoing investigation is treating the incident as suspicious, and officials urge anyone with information to contact Det. Sgt. James Wright at the Royalton Barracks at 802-234-9933 or the Vermont Arson Tip Award Program at 1-800-32-ARSON.
