A golf cart, a small dog and a homemade flamethrower turned a quiet Washington neighborhood into the scene of a bizarre arson investigation. A 47-year-old man allegedly arrived at a Port Orchard home and set its garage ablaze while the homeowner was still inside.
Security footage captured the suspect arriving on Aug. 4 with his dog riding beside him. He allegedly used a weed burner connected to a propane tank on the back of his golf cart to ignite the garage frame. He then reportedly added a liquid that appeared to make the fire spread faster, according to the New York Post.
The dog remained near the scene as the flames grew. A witness reportedly saw the man start the fire and heard him claim he was with the fire department. The witness also alleged that the suspect tried to hit him with the golf cart and waved the torch in his direction.
The dog deserved a better passenger ride than a DIY arson spree
Washington firefighters eventually brought the blaze under control. The fire destroyed the homeowner’s car, which was valued at $25,000, and caused an estimated $150,000 to $175,000 in damage to the property. The homeowner was inside when the fire began but was not injured.
The homeowner reportedly did not know the suspect and had no idea why he would target the property. The Kitsap Sun reported that state police later located and arrested the man. Authorities said he was under the influence of alcohol and marijuana when he was taken into custody…