By Ibrahim Alawi
JEDDAH — Two persons have been arrested for setting an expensive car on fire. Makkah Police spokesman Col. Ati Al-Qurashi said the police acted on a report from a citizen who claimed that his car was set on fire in Jeddah.
“The police obtained footage of the two who laid carton paper underneath the citizen’s car and began to set it on fire. The police identified the culprits and managed to arrest one of them first. A manhunt was launched and subsequently the other person was also arrested,” said Al-Qurashi.
He added the two men were in their 20s and 30s.
“The incident took place in Al-Manarat District. The two men have not given any reason for the arson. One of the men confessed that he was drunk while setting the car on fire. The police have forwarded their case to the Bureau of Investigation and Public Prosecution,” said Al-Qurashi.
Car owner Ahmad Al-Hashmi said he does not have any enemies.
“I am bewildered by the act of the criminals. I don’t know what their motives are. No one is holding a grudge against me. When the incident happened, my neighbors informed me and I called the Civil Defense immediately,” said Al-Hashmi.
He added he viewed the footage on his surveillance camera and that is when he saw how the fire happened.
“The two men shown in the camera were complete strangers to me. When the police arrested the criminals I asked to meet them face to face. I asked them about their motives and I told them I won’t sue them if they told me,” said Al-Hashmi.
He added the criminals only told him that it was a rebellious act on their part and that they did not have a strong motive.
“I am convinced they have a motive. They saw the surveillance camera and escaped without hiding their identity. That shows to me that they want to be identified and that they do have a motive,” said Al-Hashmi.
