(Lawrenceville Ga., Sept. 28, 2017) – Gwinnett County Fire Investigators are looking into a case of vandalism and arson after someone slashed the tires on a daycare bus in the parking lot then torched the vehicle.  The incident occurred after midnight on Tuesday, September 26, 2017 at The Harvest School, located at 2730 North Deshong Road, SW in (unincorporated) Stone Mountain.

Firefighters responded to the daycare after a passerby called 9-1-1 around 12:56a.m.  Crews found the empty bus in flames on arrival.  The fire was quickly extinguished and caused heavy damage to the bus.  Fire Investigators were requested due to suspicious circumstances.  The bus was parked away from the building in the corner of the parking lot.  There were no exposure hazards and no injuries were reported.

Specific information about how the fire was set is not being released due to the ongoing investigation.  Evidence was collected at the scene by Fire Investigators and sent for lab testing.  The daycare’s video surveillance camera shows an unknown individual approaching the bus and slashing the tires.  The individual then walks to a vehicle, which is believed to be parked at the entrance of a nearby abandoned grocery store.  After an unspecified amount of time, the same individual is seen back at the bus with flames erupting from the interior.  According to Fire Investigators, the owners/operators of the daycare are unaware of anyone that would want to cause this degree of damage to their property.  Investigators are following up on a few leads in the case and are asking the public for help. 

Anyone with information about the fire or the person responsible is asked to contact the Gwinnett Fire Investigations Section at 678.518.4890 or the Georgia Arson Control Hotline at 1.800.282.5804. 

Georgia Arson Control, Inc. offers a reward of UP TO $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for arson.  Tips may be made anonymously.  Arson is a serious felony crime and is punishable by imprisonment and associated fines.

Vimeo Link to Video Surveillance Footage: https://vimeo.com/235836917/81fa0b4875