The Ames Police Department Arson Investigators are investigating a series of car fires at the 1100 block of Lincoln Way and the 100 block of N Maple Avenue. They received their first report shortly before 3 a.m. Monday morning.

Investigations Commander Jason Tuttle said that over a course of several hours, they believe that approximately 15 cars were burglarized and 3 were set on fire. One car was also stolen but later found. Tuttle said they are currently operating under the belief that these burglaries are connected.

Two of the vehicles that were set on fire are believed to be a total loss. Tuttle encourages people in the neighborhood to stay vigilante and observant because they are unsure if these burglaries and fires will continue.

“It’s very concerning to us that someone would intentionally set vehicles on fire. Several vehicles were close to buildings so we could have had a tremendous disaster had those vehicles caught the buildings on fire,” Tuttle said.

At this point the police department is processing evidence and currently does not have any suspects. Tuttle also encourages anyone who saw someone suspicious early Monday morning to report it.

You can contact the Ames Police General Dispatch number at 515-239-5133 or contact Story County Crime Stoppers at 515-382-7577 with any information.

                The Ames Police Department Arson Investigators are investigating a series of car fires at the 1100 block of Lincoln Way and the 100 block of N Maple Avenue. They received their first report shortly before 3 a.m. Monday morning.

                Investigations Commander Jason Tuttle said that over a course of several hours, they believe that approximately 15 cars were burglarized and 3 were set on fire. One car was also stolen but later found. Tuttle said they are currently operating under the belief that these burglaries are connected.

Two of the vehicles that were set on fire are believed to be a total loss. Tuttle encourages people in the neighborhood to stay vigilante and observant because they are unsure if these burglaries and fires will continue.

“It’s very concerning to us that someone would intentionally set vehicles on fire. Several vehicles were close to buildings so we could have had a tremendous disaster had those vehicles caught the buildings on fire,” Tuttle said.

At this point the police department is processing evidence and currently does not have any suspects. Tuttle also encourages anyone who saw someone suspicious early Monday morning to report it.

You can contact the Ames Police General Dispatch number at 515-239-5133 or contact Story County Crime Stoppers at 515-382-7577 with any information.