Man sets fire to trash can at laundromat, causes $15,000 in damage

A man who tried to start a fire at a laundromat caused about $15,000 in damage, and the crime was caught on tape.

The fire at Oakcliffe Laundry on Kennett Square in West Oakland happened two weeks ago. Officials said lives were put at risk, because there are two occupied apartments in the upstairs portion of the building.

The arsonist remains at large, and officials said they hope someone can identify the man.

Ron Jardini, who owns the laundromat, said he looked at the surveillance video and did not recognize the man.

“I feel sorry for him as much as for me. It's just a shame we have to be nervous about having a business that’s open 24 hours a day,” Jardini said.

Two weeks after the fire, repairs are still being made. Jardini credited the quick response from firefighters for keeping it contained.

Investigators believe the arsonist was inside the laundromat for several hours before setting the fire.

“I’d like to talk to him, see why he did it,” Jardini said.

Most of the damage was from smoke, impacting not just the business, but the two apartments upstairs, which were remodeled two years ago.

Anyone with information is asked to call police.

Cox Media Group