School district vehicles involved in suspicious fires
Two USD 398 school district vehicles were involved in a suspicious fire Sunday evening, according to a news release from the Peabody Police Department.
Marion County Emergency Communication received a 911 call at 9:50 p.m. Sunday advising of a loud explosion in the vicinity of Peabody Elementary School.
Numerous additional calls provided further information and emergency units were dispatched.
When Peabody Police Chief Jeff Pohlman arrived at the scene he discovered a suburban owned by the school district engulfed in flames.
A second suburban, located near the "targeted" vehicle also was damaged.
The State Fire Marshall's office was notified at 10:11 p.m. Rod Oldridge with that office is the agent in charge. The incident is considered suspicious and being classified as arson.
Peabody Police Department is the lead investigative agency in this case and will continue to provide updates as information is obtained.
Assistance was provided by the Peabody Fire Department, State Fire Marshall's Office and the Marion County Sheriff's Office Canine Unit.
