Four Police Cars Set On Fire In Small Town

Four Emmett Police Department patrol cars were set on fire.

Emmett Police Cars Set On Fire

Emmett, ID – Four Emmett Police Department cruisers were set on fire on Wednesday morning, July 26.

The incident occurred about 1 AM in a parking lot behind City Hall, according to IdahoNews.  A resident who lives across the street, Bob Buch, told the Idaho News that he heard a “ruckus.”  He said, “About one in the morning, I heard some noises, came outside and wow, there were four police cars on fire.”

Steve Kunka, Deputy Chief for the Emmett Police Department, confirmed that it was arson.  He said that they had contacted the Idaho State Police to do the investigation since they were the victim.  Gem County Dispatch initially received the call about the fires, and emergency crews responded.  No structures were involved, and flames were quickly put out.

Although police will not yet confirm, a pursuit about seven hours after the fires were reported may be connected, according to the Idaho Statesman.  The pursuit occurred about 7:20 AM on Wednesday, and involved Gem County deputies.  It began in Emmett at the intersection of Central and Pioneer, and ended on the bridge in Letha ‘shortly before 8 AM’.

A suspect was arrested after the pursuit, but his identity has not been released.  No injuries were reported from the pursuit.  Tim Marsano, Idaho State Police spokesman, told the Idaho Statesman that that they “had a suspect in mind,” but wouldn’t release further details.  He said that the investigation was still in its early stages.

In a statement, police said, “There is no threat to the public at this time, and the investigation is ongoing.”

The town of Emmett has eight police officers and a total of 15 cruisers, including the four that were burned.  Deputy Chief Kunka said, “It is not a setback. We’re still able to operate on a normal basis.  Obviously there will be some inconveniences, but nothing that will prevent us from giving the same service we’ve given before.”