Teen burns up ‘Trinity’s cars - Boy was trying to start former assistant commissioner of police’s vehicle

A multi-agency investigation is under way in the case involving a teenager who reportedly confessed to setting fire to two vehicles owned by former Assistant Commissioner of Police Keith 'Trinity' Gardener early Tuesday morning.

This according to Head of the St Andrew Central Police Division, Senior Superintendent Marlon Nesbeth. The police have arrested and charged a 13-year-old with malicious destruction of property. Reports are that the incident occurred at Gardener's residence on Karachi Crescent in the Kingston 6 area. It is reported that about 12:05 a.m., residents saw a 2007 Subaru motor car and a Toyota Prado on fire. They summoned the fire department and the police. The fire was extinguished by fire units. Acting on information, police personnel visited a gully in the community where the accused and another boy were observed hiding. The police questioned them during which the accused reportedly admitted setting fire to the vehicles. The accused, who is from the Mona Commons area on St Andrew, was charged on Wednesday. His name is being withheld by the police due to his age.

"From what we gather, it is a case of mischief gone bad," Nesbeth said. "The fire may have started in the car as it was revealed that they wanted to start the car. A lighter that was ignited started the fire which spread to the Prado parked nearby." Nesbeth said that the police have made contact with the teen's parents.