“Dear PoPville,

We thought we should spread the word, in case this guy is a serial arsonist.

On Friday morning at about 2:30 am, we found our car on fire in our alley (entrance at 3rd and K Street). The video below (from a neighbor’s security camera) shows the arsonist, though his face is covered. Based on the video, we think he could have used a timer, and an explosive.

Update:

With a little help from the internet, we are now 99% sure that it was a thermite device. Basically, a homemade incendiary device where super hot combustibles put in a ceramic pot and set on fire. 1 lb. of thermite can melt through a car hood and an engine block in a matter of minutes.

Clearly, this guy has done this before. We’d like all of our DC neighbors to be on the lookout, and if they see someone who fits this MO, be aware that they could have a serious explosion and fire on their hands in 20 minutes. The guy appears to be about 6 feet tall, white, and carrying a large paper bag. He has a distinct walk and run, and was wearing very baggie clothes and running shoes.”