Police say around 6:30 a.m., a car in the back of the Mendota Police Department Headquarters was set on fire. Two officers were able to contain the flames until Cal Fire arrived. The patrol car was a total loss. Damage is estimated around $20,000.
Investigators say there have been a number of arsons within the city during the last month. They're concerned suspects are targeting police and could move on to more dangerous fires.
"Obviously this is an attack at the police department because we do try to enforce the law in regards to especially arson cases," said Mendota Police Chief Gerald Galvin. "So even though the crime rate is dramatically down in our city, we certainly have a problem with this particular type of crime and that being arson."
No one has been injured in any of the fires.
The city of Mendota is offering a $5,000 reward for any information leading to the arsonist's arrest. Anyone with information is asked to call the Mendota Police Department at (559) 655-4294.
