Arson linked to Tuesday's truck fire

Fire investigators suspect arson was behind an early morning truck fire Tuesday morning.

Mountain Home fire fighters responded to the vehicle fire at the Escoshio & Fairway apartment complex on West 5th North Street around 6:45 that morning.

Crews quickly extinguished the flames, limiting damage to the truck to approximately $300, said city fire chief Phil Gridley.

During their initial investigation, the fire department discovered the vehicle's gas cap was removed and a rag was shoved into the fuel receptacle, Gridley said. Crews also noticed gasoline was poured into the truck bed with several expended matches dropped inside the bed.

The case was turned over to detectives with the Mountain Home Police Department. People with any information on the arson should call the police department at 587-2101 or online at www.mhpd.net/silentwitness.htm. They may file their reports anonymously if they choose.