A man seen lurking behind the Habitat for Humanity store in Fort Lauderdale is suspected of setting a dumpster fire in the loading dock area, police said.
The smoky blaze was reported about 12:12 a.m. on March 18 behind the business at 505 East Broward Blvd.
Police and Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue responded but the large fire caused only minor damage to the building and no injuries to anyone, officials said.
The day before, an unknown man was seen on surveillance video walking around the dumpster, repeatedly. He eventually climbed up and disabled the security camera that was pointed at the loading dock, police said.
He appeared to return later that night riding a bicycle. Two other surveillance cameras showed him loitering in the darkness before crawling under a City Furniture trailer parked next to the dumpster.
Minutes later, the flickering light of the flames can be seen behind the trailer and the man is seen riding away on the bicycle.
He was carrying a backpack and appeared to be wearing bulky cargo pants, a long coat, baseball style cap and gloves, in the surveillance videos.
Investigators are asking anyone with information about the arson or the identity of the man to contact Detective J. Knapp at 954-828-4787. Anonymous tips can be sent to Broward Crime Stoppers at 954-493-8477 or online at browardcrimestoppers.org.
wkroustan@sunsentinel.com or 954-356-4303 or Twitter @WayneRoustan
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