In Tyumen, a 38-year-old local was detained after burning three cars while intoxicated in a residential courtyard, according to MIA Media.
Authorities report that the suspect attempted to steal a parked Zhiguli but failed. To erase his fingerprints, the previously convicted man chose arson, igniting one of the vehicles instead as a distraction from the theft attempt.
“The man lit a plastic bottle inside the car, then watched from the side as flames engulfed the vehicle, and later observed firefighters bringing the blaze under control,” police described.
Following this incident, the Tyumen resident recalled a prior dispute with a neighbor and resolved to set that neighbor’s car on fire. When the vehicle could not be located in the parking area, he targeted the first UAZ Patriot in sight. The car owner managed to extinguish the flames, aided by bystanders, including others who arrived to help. Noting that the initial car had been saved, the arsonist decided to strike again by setting another car ablaze.
“I was upset that the UAZ Patriot was put out, and I then set fire to another vehicle,” the suspect reportedly told investigators when questioned about his actions.
Police examinations indicate that the financial damage from these acts by a drunk Tyumen resident exceeded 100,000 rubles. A criminal case was opened on charges of damaging someone else’s property and causing property damage.
The broader context from authorities notes a pattern of reckless behavior that compounds the risk to residents and responders alike. The incident adds to a sequence of recent arsons in the region, underscoring the need for vigilance and swift investigative work to prevent further harm. Investigators are pursuing additional leads to determine whether there were accomplices or prior incidents connected to the suspect’s actions. Local residents expressed concern over the violence and the potential for similar incidents as colder weather and festive gatherings approach, which historically correlate with increased tenancy disputes and opportunistic crime. Community safety efforts and patrols have been stepped up in several courtyards to deter similar offenses and to provide reassurance to families and visitors.
The case remains under review by regional authorities, who will assess whether the defendant should face charges beyond arson, including possession of stolen property and intentional property destruction. Prosecutors will weigh the totality of the evidence, the motive, and the possible influences of intoxication on the defendant’s behavior as part of the legal proceedings. In the meantime, local law enforcement emphasizes the importance of reporting suspicious activity promptly and avoiding confrontation when such situations arise, so that responders can act quickly and minimize harm.
Source: MIA Media