Police Seek Video After Cadillac Found Burning in Front Royal Alley

The Front Royal Police Department and Warren County Fire Marshal’s Office are asking residents and business owners to check surveillance footage after a vehicle was found burning Tuesday afternoon in an alley near the Blue Ridge Opportunities Center.

The fire was reported at approximately 4:50 p.m. on July 28 beside 470 South Commerce Avenue in Front Royal. The vehicle was identified as a black, four-door 2017 Cadillac XTS.

Investigators said two males were seen walking away from the vehicle shortly after the fire was discovered.

One of the males was described as an average-height white man with short brown hair and a short brown beard. He was wearing a white tank top and dark-colored shorts, possibly athletic shorts, and was carrying a blue tote or laundry basket.

He was last seen walking toward South Commerce Avenue. His direction of travel after reaching Commerce Avenue is unknown.

Authorities are working to establish the vehicle’s movements before it was found burning.

The Cadillac was seen traveling westbound on John Marshall Highway from Interstate 66, passing through the Linden area, at approximately 4:20 p.m., about 30 minutes before the fire was reported.

Investigators are asking anyone with cameras in the area to review footage recorded between approximately 4:20 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. on July 28.

Areas of particular interest include South Commerce Avenue, South Street, Front Street, Ritenour Street, Short Street, and nearby streets and alleys.

Police said footage from doorbell cameras, home security systems, business cameras, driveway cameras, and other exterior cameras could help identify the vehicle, the two males, or their direction of travel.

Even a video that does not appear important at first may help investigators build a timeline or determine the route taken before or after the fire.

Authorities have not released additional details about the second male seen leaving the area.

No injuries were reported in the information released, and officials did not say whether the vehicle was occupied when the fire began.

The case is being investigated by the Front Royal Police Department and the Warren County Fire Marshal’s Office.

Anyone with information or potentially useful footage is asked to contact Detective J. Miller with the Front Royal Police Department at jmiller@frontroyalva.com or Capt. A. Cucciardo with the Warren County Fire Marshal’s Office at acucciardo@warrencountyfire.com.

(From WCFD/FRPD Press Release)