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The vehicle set on fire in an early morning act of arson Saturday in Laurel belonged to the city's deputy administrator, Martin Flemion.

At approximately 1:45 a.m. May 28, Prince George's County firefighters and Laurel police responded to a call for a fire on the 1100 block of 12th Street. Officials found the personal vehicle of deputy city administrator Martin Flemion on fire, said city spokesman Jim Collins.

Police Chief Rich McLaughlin said police are "not sure" of the motive.

Collins said it was Flemion's neighbor who first "heard the noise outside after the vehicle was set on fire and called the fire department."

The suspect doused both Flemion's personal vehicle and his city vehicle with gasoline but only set the personal vehicle on fire, during which time he accidentally burned himself as well, Collins said.

Collins said as the neighbor came out to see what was happening, the suspect ran away.

"With the amount of flames the witness described, if he tries to treat himself it could result in death," Collins said of the suspect.

Collins said police are searching local hospitals to see if the suspect sought help.

Neither Flemion nor the neighbor was injured.

City officials are offering a $5,000 reward to anyone with information that will lead to an arrest or conviction in this case.

People with information are encouraged to call the Laurel Police Department at 301-498-0092.

cokparanta@gazette.net