Arson suspected in car fire outside Texas Capitol

At approximately 2 p.m., emergency officials received reports of a vehicle on fire near the capitol, and DPS troopers and the Austin Fire Department responded and extinguished the flames. The agencies identified a “person of interest” in the investigation, according to a news release issued Friday evening.

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) – State investigators are seeking a “person of interest” for questioning in a vehicle fire outside the Texas Capitol suspected to have been deliberately set. The fire was quickly put out. Earlier that day, a white man wearing dark shorts and a ball cap was reported to DPS by legislative staff because of “suspicious activity” near the speaker’s office in the Capitol.

The State Fire Marshal’s Office is processing the scene and gathering evidence to determine the exact origin of the fire.

The DPS is asking for help from the public.

Text the letters DPS – followed by your tip – to 274637 (CRIMES) from your cell phone.