EXCLUSIVE: Bridgeport police ask for help identifying person caught on camera starting car fire next to homes, gas lines

It happened in the 300 block of Wood Avenue just after 8 p.m. on Wednesday.

Nicole Alarcon Soares and Frank Recchia

Jan 12, 2024, 1:17 AM

Updated 274 days ago

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Bridgeport police are asking for help identifying an arsonist caught on camera starting a car fire between two homes and a double set of natural gas lines.
It happened in the 300 block of Wood Avenue just after 8 p.m. on Wednesday.
Police say the car was set on fire between two homes filled with families and directly between two sets of natural gas lines and propane tanks.
"In a state where four children were recently killed in a house fire, we are deeply concerned about an arsonist being at large. That's why we are asking for the public's help identifying the person seen in this video," said police Chief Roderick Porter. 
Officials say the arsonist is seen carrying what appears to be a can of gasoline in a bag, then pouring it onto the car and lighting it on fire.
Angela Brown and Leonard Brown, who live in the area with their children and grandchildren, praised the firefighters for their quick response and for helping to prevent any injuries.
"This is dangerous, he's an arsonist. You're starting a fire in a residential area next to gas lines and gas pipes. You could have hurt and killed anybody. We have a family of five children who live next door to us," said Angela Brown.
"Everybody knows me, I have no problem with no one. I don't know why that guy would come back here and do that. Don't know who he is; but you come with gloves, masks, a gas can, a bag, it was intentional."
Police Chief Roderick Porter urges anybody who can help identify the person seen in the video to call 203-576-TIPS.