Today's Most Popular Video
Jul 16, 2008 5:43 pm US/Central
Handicapped Vans Set Ablaze, Arson Suspected
SAVAGE, Minn. (WCCO) ―
-
-
Arson is suspected in fires that damaged six vans at a Savage, Minn. business.
CBS
Police suspect arson after fire damaged six vans in Savage, Minn. early Wednesday morning.
The fires happened at Rollx Vans on Highway 13 at about 2 a.m.
Rollx is a company that converts minivans into vehicles for people with physical disabilities. Now the family that owns the company is trying to understand this senseless crime.
"Is somebody bored? Is somebody looking to make a statement? No idea. I really don't know," said Mike Harris, the President of Rollx Vans.
After three decades in business, Harris has learned to worry about hail damaging his fleet of vans. His lot is filled with custom ones with all the latest features and gadgets, but none of the features are options. They're necessities for the people who need them.
"Very important. Very important. Makes a big difference in their lives," said Harris.
A Savage Police officer was driving by on patrol overnight and saw some of the flames. He pulled over, grabbed his extinguisher and was able to put out some of the fire.
The State Fire Marshall's Office, Burnsville Fire Department and Savage Police are all trying to find out what was used to set the cars on fire.
The vans cost up to $60,000 brand new. The customers who were expecting the vans will now wait up to a month or more to get a new one.
"I feel for the people that had the vans," said Tom Narum, who suffers from a form of Muscular Dystrophy and doesn't know how to get around without his van.
"The van is my symbol of freedom," said Narum.
Harris is not sure what to make of this crime either. He's had no problems with employees and no threats. He doesn't understand who would want to hurt him or the people he's in business to help.
"You don't worry about something like this," said Harris.
No one was injured in the fires, but police shut down part of the frontage road to Highway 13 while they investigated the scene.
No arrests have been made. Anyone with information on the fires, or who may have witnessed suspicious activity near Rollx Vans Tuesday night or Wednesday morning is asked to call the Savage Police Department at 952-882-2600.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
Truckers Sue For Unauthorized Citations
Click to enlarge
Stumble It!
Reporting
