Sanger fire officials launch arson investigation after fire nearly destroys family business

SANGER, Calif. (KFSN) -- Violated, is the way Martin Neri describes how he and his family are feeling after their business was targeted twice over the weekend.

"For someone to do this I feel like it's out of nowhere," said owner's son Martin Neri.

Already reeling from a fire that gutted their office Sunday morning. They are now hoping police can track down who stole five cars from their lot.

"Who knows if it's the last time so we're going to keep on watching our back and in the meantime just try to keep going," said Neri.

Video from Sanger shows crews were able to stop the flames from spreading to a neighboring hardware store.

Now investigators hope surveillance video will help them find those responsible and determine whether there is any connection between the fire and burglary.

"High suspicions of arson at this point along with stolen property that's why we're working with Sanger PD," said Sanger Fire Department Fire Chief Greg Tarascou.

Though Sanger Police and Fire cannot comment on the evidence collected. They say they are doing all they can to make sure the Neri's get back on their feet.

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"We don't see this in Sanger at all so where we do we want to make sure that the residents understand that we're on top of this and find some finality to this case," said Tarascou.

While the investigation continues, you can find signs of starting anew beyond the boarded windows and tarped roof.

The family hopes trailers will get them up and running by week's end.

In addition to added security measures, Sanger Police plan to add extra patrols in the area.