Police suspect arson after stolen vehicle ignites in southeast Lincoln parking lot

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — A multi-vehicle car fire in southeast Lincoln is now being investigated as arson after one of the vehicles was reported stolen.

Just before 11:15 a.m. Thursday, first responders were sent to a parking lot in the area of 91st Street and Andermatt Drive.

SEE ALSO: Crews battle multi-vehicle fire in southeast Lincoln

While the fire was being put out, another officer was called to an apartment complex near 48th Street and Old Cheney Road on the report of a stolen vehicle.

According to the Lincoln Police Department, the victim said a Cadillac Escalade was stolen from the parking lot early Thursday morning.

The victim had rented the vehicle in another state earlier in the month. LPD said the car was due to be returned on Thursday.

According to LPD, four vehicles ended up catching fire, causing a total of $41,000 in damage.

The Escalade sustained $8,000 in damage, while a white Jeep Compass had $18,000 in damage.

A red Nissan Versa had $9,000 in damage, and a sliver Lincoln MKX sustained $6,000 in damage.

Due to the Escalade being stolen, the fire inspector believes arson may be the cause.

LPD said the investigation remains ongoing.

Anyone with information is asked to call Lincoln Police at 402-441-6000 or Crime Stoppers at 402-475-3600.