DPS investigating after vehicle set on fire at State Capitol

Provided by the Texas Department of Public Safety

The Texas Department of Public Safety in conjunction with the State Fire Marshal's Office is conducting an arson investigation related to a vehicle that caught fire on the grounds of the Texas State Capitol on Friday.

At approximately 2 p.m., emergency officials received reports of a vehicle on fire near the capitol, and DPS troopers and the Austin Fire Department responded and extinguished the flames.

The State Fire Marshal's Office is processing the scene and gathering evidence to determine the exact origin of the fire. DPS is seeking the public's assistance in gathering information about a person of interest related to this incident.

If the public has any information about this individual or this incident, they are urged to call law enforcement at (512) 472-TIPS (8477). (All tips can be offered anonymously.)

This investigation is ongoing, and no additional details are available at this time.

As always, DPS urges members of the public who observe something unusual to report suspicious activity to their local law enforcement agency (by calling 9-1-1) or through iWATCH at www.iwatchtx.org - a DPS website for submitting suspicious activity reports.