Multi-car fire under investigation

ZANESVILLE — Authorities are searching for an unidentified suspect who reportedly attempted to steal gasoline from a parked truck Tuesday afternoon, causing several vehicles to ignite.

The suspect entered the park and ride just after 1 p.m. on Ohio 93 and U.S. 22 in a small, dark hatchback vehicle and attempted to steal gas by drilling a hole in the truck's fuel tank, according to the Ohio State Highway Patrol. The fuel tank ignited, and several nearby vehicles caught fire.

The Washington Township Fire Department responded to the scene after 1 p.m. to extinguish the blazes.

The suspect had already fled the area at high speed, officials reported. Investigators said they think the suspect came in contact with a possible witness who entered the park and ride just as the suspect was leaving. That witness reported the fire.

The patrol is investigating the incident.

Anyone with information that could help identify the suspect is asked to call the Zanesville post of the patrol at 740-453-0541.