Two Land O’ Lakes homes were targets in what Pasco County Sheriff’s officials are categorizing as arsons.
The incidents took place between 9:30 and 9:45 p.m. July 4, according to sheriff’s office spokesman Doug Tobin.
Officials became aware of the first incident when the sheriff’s office and Pasco County Fire Rescue were asked to respond to a house fire at 17514 Glenapp Drive.
Once on the scene, officials determined that an unknown person or people set off a firework on the home’s front porch. This set the front door and entryway to the home on fire, Tobin said. The suspect or suspects then fled. About $5,000 in damage was done to that home.
The home at 17728 Glenapp Drive was also targeted July 4, Tobin said. In that case, two white males were captured by a surveillance camera as they were trying to light a firework on the home’s front porch. They were also recorded as they rang the doorbell and ran back to a four-door, silver sedan. The car is believed to be a Dodge Neon, Tobin said.
“Someone could have been seriously injured or killed in the fire,” Tobin said. “Detectives also believe that after looking at the video the suspects were intentionally trying to injure the homeowners by ringing the doorbell. Someone opening the door when the fireworks went off could have been burned or seriously injured.”
Both incidents are believed to be related.
Anyone with information about the cases or the suspects is asked to call 1-877-662-7766 or 813-929-2750.
