CFD investigators say cruiser fire was intentionally set

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Officials are trying to figure out how a Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office cruiser went up in flames early Monday morning in uptown Charlotte.

Officials said Tuesday that the preliminary cause of the fire was listed as accidental but was later reclassified as incendiary -- or intentionally set -- as more information was received. Investigators said the investigation continues.

Firefighters were called to the sheriff’s office work release parking lot at 901 Elizabeth Ave. just after 6:15 a.m. Monday and found a 2014 Dodge Charger engulfed in flames.

Crews told Channel 9 that it appeared the fuel tank had ruptured and gasoline was pouring out of the tank, making it difficult to put out the flames.

Arson investigators will likely review surveillance video coming in and out of the county parking lot.

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