By Shavonne Potts
spotts@salisburypost.com
Salisbury police are trying to determine who set fire to five cars this past weekend, three of which were Salisbury High School driver’s education vehicles.
The fires occurred early Sunday morning at three different locations in Salisbury, authorities said. Police are classifying the blazes as arson.
The fires at Salisbury High were reported at 3:23 a.m. Sunday when someone noticed smoke coming from the area of the football field and called 911. Three vehicles, all Ford Tauruses, were on fire.
The vehicles were located at the back of the school behind the football stadium along Taylor Street. Salisbury High is located at 500 Lincolnton Road.
The estimated damage to each car was about $5,000.
Another fire burned a vehicle parked at the Church of the Nazarene, 224 W. 12th St. A nearby resident called police after she heard a noise, looked out the window and saw a Nissan Altima on fire, according to department reports. That incident was reported at 2:51 a.m.
A third incident involving a burning car was reported at 3:22 a.m. at Summit Ave., near Catawba College. No other information about the incident was available late Monday.
The Salisbury Fire Department responded to the fires.
Authorities said they are trying to determine whether there is any connection between the car fires here and a series of car fires under investigation in Charlotte.
“At this time they don’t appear to be related. There are similarities. I don’t know if they are related,” said Deputy Chief Steve Whitley.
The department is comparing notes with Charlotte police as the investigation continues.