Arson probe after fires tear through St Mary community

A quiet St Mary community has been rocked by a string of suspected arson attacks after fires destroyed vehicles, businesses and a house over a two-day period.

Police are now probing whether the incidents, which unfolded between Friday, August 21 and Saturday, August 22 in the Rock River area of Richmond, are connected.

The first incidents reportedly began about 3:30 a.m. on Friday, when residents were alerted that fires had been set to several vehicles and a business establishment.

Despite efforts to contain the blaze, two motor vehicles and a bar were completely destroyed. Police sources said property belonging to a serving member of the Jamaica Constabulary Force was among those damaged or destroyed.

Hours later, about 6 a.m., another business establishment was targeted by fire. That blaze was extinguished before it could spread throughout the building, resulting in minor damage.

But the fires were not over.

About 3:30 a.m. on Saturday, a resident was awakened by an unusual bright light and discovered a nearby three-bedroom board house engulfed in flames.

Police said efforts were made to extinguish the blaze, but it spread rapidly to an adjoining concrete house that was under construction.

The board house and an outside kitchen were completely destroyed, while sections of the concrete structure and its contents were extensively damaged.

“The board house and an outside kitchen were completely destroyed, while sections of the concrete structure and its contents were extensively damaged,” said Anthony Wallace, commanding officer for the St Mary Police Division.

The Fire Department responded to the incidents and carried out firefighting and cooling-down operations.

Investigators have processed the scenes and are now working to determine the circumstances surrounding the fires, including whether they were deliberately set and if the incidents are linked.

The total value of the damage has not yet been determined.

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