Stolen car found on fire Saturday

An unoccupied, stolen car set on fire.

By: Leon Tovey
   MONROE — A car fire near the intersection of Perrineville and Union Valley roads early Saturday morning was set intentionally, police said Tuesday.
   Detective Richard Stemming said the unoccupied car, a stolen 1998 BMW model 525, was found locked and on fire at 12:06 a.m. by an officer on routine patrol in the area. The fire was quickly extinguished by township firefighters and resulted in no injuries, Detective Stemming said.
   Detective Stemming declined to discuss the exact cause of the fire, saying it is still under investigation, but that it appeared to have been deliberately set. The car was reported stolen by its owner, a resident of the Bronx, N.Y., at 8 p.m. Sunday, Detective Stemming said.
   Detective Stemming said the fire did not appear to have been set in order to cover up evidence of theft, since it was confined to the engine compartment , but nothing is being ruled out at this point.
   Detective Stemming said he is working in conjunction with the New York City Police Department on the investigation. He asked that anyone who may have information regarding the incident contact him at (732) 521-0222, ext. 152.