A teenager has been taken into custody in connection with a string of vehicle fires that left residents shaken across several South Fort Worth neighborhoods during the holiday season, according to investigators.
Police say at least five vehicles were deliberately set on fire in three different neighborhoods, beginning early Christmas Eve and continuing through New Year’s Day. The incidents sparked fear among residents, many of whom worried the fires could spread to nearby homes.
One of the victims, Rebecca, whose car was the first to be targeted, described the frightening moments when she realized her vehicle was burning.
“It was going in the air, and it was making boom sounds, like explosions coming out of the windows,” she said. “It was really scary. I thought it was going to blow up or catch someone’s house on fire.”
Investigators said surveillance video shows the suspect breaking into Rebecca’s car around 1:45 a.m. on Christmas Eve. Moments later, the vehicle was set ablaze, and the suspect ran from the scene.
Residents struggled to understand why the attacks were happening.
“We kept asking ourselves, ‘Why would somebody do this? Are we a target? What did we do?’” Rebecca said.
Authorities noted that the fires followed a disturbing pattern. According to investigators, the suspect targeted vehicles parked on street corners close to homes, increasing the risk to nearby families. Over the following days, four more vehicles were set on fire in surrounding neighborhoods.
“Our community was in fear for a while,” said Fort Worth Police Department Chief Eddie Garcia. He added that crimes of this nature often escalate if not stopped.
For nearly 10 days, police and fire investigators worked jointly to identify the suspect. Crews canvassed neighborhoods, went door-to-door, interviewed homeowners, and reviewed hours of surveillance footage from nearby homes.
“We were able to piece together several camera angles from different neighbors that led us from one fire scene directly back to his residence,” said David Jones, a battalion chief with the Fort Worth Fire Department’s investigative unit.
On Thursday, authorities arrested 17-year-old Evan Banda, who investigators say lived close to the affected neighborhoods. Due to his age, additional details about potential charges and court proceedings have not yet been released.
The damage left behind has had lasting consequences for the families involved. Rebecca said her mother was only about $400 away from paying off the burned vehicle, which was supposed to be passed down to her daughters.
“We needed that car,” Rebecca’s mother said. “It was meant for them. He took that away.”
Officials say the investigation remains active as they continue to assess damage and determine whether additional charges may be filed. Police are urging residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity as the case moves forward.
