News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Department is investigating a potential arson case at a work site near the Plateau Partnership Park.
John Anderson of J.D. Anderson Contracting said an employee discovered the burnt excavator valued at $100,000. The fire was deemed to be a total loss.
Anderson said employees also noticed items in the machine out of place. The responding deputy met with Caterpillar representatives to discuss the out-of-place items and determined that arson was possible.
The police report indicates hydraulic fluid may have been used to start the fire as a hydraulic filter was found in the engine compartment.
Batteries on the other side of the excavator did not appear to be damaged and the ignition switch was off.
Authorities have not yet made an arrest as the investigation remains ongoing.
