Butte Police and Butte Fire Department are investigating what they believe is an arson fire that occured at the Brooks Hanna Ford at 50 Ford Lane right off of Elizabeth Warren Ave.
The police and fire dept. were dispatched to the dealership at 1:48 a.m. Wednesday morning after a passerby reported seeing smoke coming from the dealership.
After the initial investigation the fire dept. determined the damage was caused by arson.
Three vehicles were damaged in the back parking lot of the dealership.
A 2004 black BMW was completely destroyed by fire.
According to a Brooks Hanna employee the BMW is owned by a private owner who brought the car for repair.
Two other vehicles didn?t have as much damage.
According to an employee with Brooks Hanna, one vehicle, a 1999 Toyota Camry is owned by an employee of Brooks Hanna.
The Camry had a passenger side window broken out and the CD player stolen. It appears a fire was attempted inside the vehicle, but didn?t do much damage.
The other vehicle, a 2011 white Ford Escape is owned by Brookes Hanna and also had its window broken out and appears a fire was attempted inside the vehicle.
The Brooks Hanna employee said the dealership plans to work with all parties and plans to help in any way to repair the damages.
According to Captain Doug Conway with Butte Police, the incident is currently under investigation.
Police are working with Brooks Hanna and surrounding businesses to collect surveillance video.
If you have any information regarding this incident you are urged to contact Butte Police Crime Stoppers at 782-7336.
