Man lit vehicle on fire after stealing two beers at Lincoln store, LPD says

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – A man was arrested Thursday morning after lighting a vehicle on fire near downtown Lincoln, police say.

Just before 6:15 a.m., officers were sent to the area of Second and O streets on a report of a man lighting a vehicle on fire.

Officers later learned that Jacob Leibel, 41, stole two beers from a nearby convenience store before approaching a vehicle in a parking lot.

Two people were sleeping inside, and Leibel “punched” the hood of the vehicle, according to police.

They got out of the car before Leibel set it on fire, LPD said.

Shortly after, officers found Leibel at a nearby business with the stolen beers, a torch lighter and a machete.

He was arrested on suspicion of several charges, including second-degree arson and possession of a deadly weapon by a prohibited person.