HOLLYWOOD, FLA. (WSVN) - Police are seeking the public’s help in locating a man who was captured on surveillance video setting a fire outside of a home in Hollywood.
According to Hollywood Police, the subject drove up in a dark-colored Mercedes-Benz to the residence, located along the 1100 block of Jefferson Street, in the city’s South Lake section, at around 3 a.m., Oct. 1.
The security footage shows the man, seen wearing a dinner jacket, approaching the front steps. Once he is standing at the front door, he moves out of the camera’s range. Seconds later, there’s a flash, followed by the perpetrator running away.
Officials said the subject’s formal attire is unusual for this type of incident.
“Yeah, you don’t see something like this very often,” said Hollywood Police spokesperson Miranda Grossman.
A closer look at the video shows the subject is holding some kind of container in his hand.
Moments after he runs off, the video shows the subject returning to the front steps.
“He goes back to the doorway and tries to light it on fire again,” said Grossman.
Officials said the house, used as an Airbnb, was unoccupied at the time. The fire was contained to the door and was put out fairly quickly.
A group of women visiting from Chicago on a girls’ trip are currently staying at the home. They said they had no idea the fire had ignited at the property.
“I think it’s terrible, but there’s nothing we can do about it,” said visitor Rachel Pinks. “We just here vacationing for a few days.”
“He’d better not come back, because Chicago don’t play that,” said another visitor.
Investigators are now attempting to determine the arsonist’s identity and the motive behind his actions.
“The owner lives out of state, and no one was actually home when it happened, so it is a bit of a mystery,” said Grossman.
If you have any information on this incident or the subject’s whereabouts, call Broward County Crime Stoppers at 954-493-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a $3,000 reward.
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