Police search for man suspected of burning cars at BMW dealership
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Authorities on Thursday continued to look for the suspect who set five vehicles on fire at a Santa Monica BMW dealership.
Police released surveillance images of a man who bought $4 worth of gasoline at a Santa Monica gas station about 20 minutes before the fires were set, KTLA-TV Channel 5 reported.
The red gas can the man was seen carrying matches one found at the dealership, authorities said.
The fires, which destroyed four used vehicles and partially damaged another, were reported around 10:40 p.m. Wednesday at the dealership at 1127 Santa Monica Blvd., according to police Sgt. Rudy Camarena.
The total loss was estimated to be $250,000.
Officers arrested a man who matched the description of the arsonist given by a witness, but determined he had been misidentified and released him.
Anyone with information is urged to call police at (310) 458-8491.
For breaking news, follow @AdolfoFlores3.
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