Officials: Man turned away from auto shop returns with Motolov cocktail

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- The Harris County Fire Marshal's Office needs help identifying the man who threw a Molotov cocktail onto the roof of a northeast Harris Count auto shop, sparking a fire.

The fire was started around 2:30am Sunday at the Torres Auto Repair in the 14300 block of Lee Road.

Employees of the shop told detectives that they turned away a man who appeared to be intoxicated from entering the business. The man apparently came back later that night and threw a Molotov cocktail onto the roof of the building.

Surveillance video also captured the suspect purchasing $1 worth of gas prior to the fire at a gas station in the 14500 block of the Eastex Freeway.

The man was then seen walking towards the Haverstock Apartments at 5619 Aldine Bender Rd, which is very close to the auto shop.

Anyone with information about the identity of the suspect is asked to contact Crime Stoppers of Houston at (713) 222-TIPS (8477). Crime Stoppers will pay up to $5,000 for any information called in to the 713-222-TIPS (8477) or submitted online at www.crime-stoppers.org that leads to the filing of felony charges or arrest of the suspect in this case. Tips can also be sent by text message. Text TIP610 plus your tip to CRIMES (274637). All tipsters remain anonymous.