Former Stamford Man Set BMW Ablaze to Avoid Hefty Repair Bill: Cops

STAMFORD, CT - A 43-year-old former Stamford man, who was reportedly facing a hefty repair bill for the luxury vehicle, set his BMW X5 ablaze instead, according to police.

Avtandil Rukhadze, now lives in Lakeland, FL, is accused of torching the SUV nearly two years ago while it was parked near an apartment building on Maple Tree Avenue in Stamford, writes Stamford Advocate reporter John Nickerson.

He was arrested on a warrant and charged with:

• Arson 1st
• Attempted insurance fraud
• Criminal mischief

According to police, the vehicle broke down in New York two weeks before the fire and had to be towed. Prosecution experts believe the vehicle's transmission was going to need extensive repair, which could have been motivation for the arson.

Rukhadze was arraigned in Stamford Superior Court Thursday and released after his mother posted a $50,000 bond. He has denied the allegations, reports the Advocate.

Click here to read the full story on the Stamford Advocate website.

Photo: Avtandil Rukhadze is accused of torching a vehicle similar to this 2003 BMW X5. Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons