Times Staff Report

HOBART

Man's car intentionally set on fire, police say

Police detectives are investigating the arson of a vehicle parked in the 4100 block of West 39th Avenue during the weekend.

Hobart police Lt. Leo Finnerty said the vehicle fire was reported about 4:40 a.m. Saturday, when a Gary man visiting the neighborhood noticed his vehicle, a 1987 Honda, was on fire.

Assistant Fire Chief Steve Mast said the vehicle was fully engulfed when fire crews arrived. It took about 15 minutes to extinguish the fire.

Finnerty said investigators were talking to a person of interest in the case.

HOBART

Bank deposits missing from Arby's restaurant

Police are talking to an employee of Arby's about two bank deposits that were never taken to the bank.

Hobart police Lt. Leo Finnerty said the money was reported missing from the restaurant, 4651 W. 61st Ave., about 2:30 p.m. Friday. The amount of money missing was not disclosed.

HOBART

House fire damages bedroom, kills 3 pets

Careless use of smoking materials started a house fire Monday morning in the 300 block of North Wilson Street that damaged a bedroom, fire officials said.

Hobart Fire Department Assistant Chief Steve Mast said the home's occupants were there at the time of the fire. No one was injured, although three birds apparently died of smoke inhalation.

Mast said the fire started in a bed in the 1,000-square-foot home. The bedroom sustained the majority of damage, although smoke damage was reported through the home. The estimated damage is about $20,000, Mast said.

The fire was reported about 11:15 a.m. and took about 20 minutes to extinguish.