Two Cars Burned in Lucavsala, Riga: Man Born in 1996 Detained as Suspect

The State Police detained a man on 22 September on suspicion of deliberately burning other people's cars in Lucavsala, a district of Riga, the Latvian capital. Officers traced the suspect after several weeks of investigation into a fire in late August that destroyed two cars. The criminal investigation is continuing.

What is known about the incident

The incident took place on the morning of 27 August. An unidentified person set fire to two parked cars, a BMW 640 and a Volkswagen Caravelle. Both vehicles were used by the same person. A neighbouring Mercedes-Benz C220 CDI was also damaged in the blaze. Local residents alerted the emergency services. No one was hurt in the fire.

The investigation

The inquiry was launched by officers of the Riga Pardaugava Directorate, part of the State Police Riga Regional Directorate. Police initially had no leads, but the investigation established that the crime was possibly committed by a man born in 1996. Once his whereabouts were determined, officers detained him.

Information gathered indicates that the cars were most likely set alight after being doused with a flammable liquid. Total damage has been calculated at 18,622 euros. Police are still working to establish the motive.

Charges and preventive measures

The criminal case was opened under Section 185, Part 2 of the Criminal Law, which covers deliberate destruction or damage of another person's property by arson. The offence carries a prison sentence of up to ten years and probationary supervision of up to three years, or without it.

The suspect has been placed under police supervision and banned from leaving the country. The State Police note that no one is considered guilty until guilt has been proven in accordance with the procedure set out by law.