Vandals light park shed, neighborhood trash can on fire

FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WANE) - Fort Wayne police are investigating two fires set by vandals overnight, one fire at a local park.

Shortly after midnight, a police officer patrolling near the North Highlands section of Fort Wayne spotted a fire in a garbage can set out for Tuesday pickup. At the same time, a neighbor was calling 9-1-1 to report the fire.

Moments later, officers noticed a shed on fire at Hamilton Park only a few blocks away.

Both fires were quickly extinguished by Fort Wayne Firefighters.

Police told NewsChannel 15 they are fairly certain the two incidents are related given the time and location of the two fires. They were not certain the acts were committed by juveniles, but were investigating all possible angles.

A police K-9 unit and several other officers were patrolling the neighborhood looking for possible suspects.

The shed sustained mostly exterior damage and contained maintenance tools, including a riding lawn mower.

The incident remains under investigation by the Fort Wayne Police Department.

Anyone with information should call the FWPD or Crime Stoppers.