Gwinnett Man Set Two Cars On Fire: Investigators

BUFORD, GA — A Gwinnett County man set fire to two cars, then was identified when he returned to the scene of the crime the next day to ask about them, investigators say.

Nicholas Minardi, 21, of Buford, faces five felony and two misdemeanor charges in the arson, which happened Sunday at Buford Self Storage, at 1600 French Blvd.

Firefighters responded to the blazes around 7:22 p.m. on Tuesday after a property manager called 911, saying he heard a popping sound and went outside to find a vehicle on fire. When fire crews arrived, the found smoke and flames coming from the vehicle and two storage units near it.

They also discovered a second car on fire on the opposite end of the complex. Both fires caused extensive damage to the vehicles and contents in the two adjoining storage units.

Fire investigators say they were able to identify Minardi through video surveillance footage from the storage business. The property manager said Monday morning that the vehicle in the video wasn't familiar to her.

But, in a strange twist, Minardi returned to the scene Monday evening, saying he was checking on his girlfriend's storage unit to see if it was OK. Investigators say he claimed to have heard about the fire on the news, even though the fire department had not yet issued a press release about the incident.

The manager was able to get his license plate number, which ultimately helped investigators identify Minardi.

Fire Investigators took Minardi into custody at his home late Tuesday afternoon. He is currently booked at the Gwinnett County Detention Center without bond.

The charges against him include: two counts of second-degree arson, two counts of criminal trespass and one count each of criminal damage to property, entering auto and possession of tools for the commission of a crime.

According to Fire Investigators, Minardi unlawfully entered the property with the intent to commit theft and cause damage to property. He gained access to a van and stole loose change, but did not set the van on fire.

He did intentionally set fire to the two cars though, they say, and radiant heat from the first one caused the fire to spread to the storage units. They say Minardi's vehicle is seen on video leaving the property at about 7:11 p.m.

"Fortunately there were no injuries reported due to these senseless acts," said Gwinnett Fire Capt. Tommy Rutledge.

Photos courtesy Gwinnett Fire & Emergency Services