We’ve all heard of cars being vandalized, but this one takes the cake — and then pours gasoline on it. Literally.

A Torch Red C8 Corvette in Stockton, California didn’t just live up to its name Thursday morning… it was torched in the most jaw dropping, surreal way imaginable.

A neighbor’s cellphone video — aired exclusively on CBS13 Sacramento — shows a man casually pedaling up on a bike to a home on Raleigh Drive with a gas can in hand. He circles the Corvette, pauses, then begins dousing the bright red sports car in fuel. And then comes the moment that turns this from a crime story into something almost unbelievable: he lifts the gas can and appears to take a drink from it.

Seconds later, the Torch Red Corvette becomes torch red in the literal sense — erupting into flames so fast the video barely keeps up.

And instead of fleeing, the suspect strolls across the street and stands there watching the inferno, according to dispatch audio released by CBS13.

Dispatch: “If you want to send in the ambulance to check this guy out, the witness has him on video drinking this gasoline.”

Dispatch: “Subject is still gonna be across the street watching the vehicle on fire.”

By the time firefighters arrived, the Corvette was a smoldering shell. The owner confirmed to CBS Sacramento the car is a total loss, and neighbors said the smell of the fire lingered long after the charred remains were towed away.

Stockton Police identified the suspect as Emmanuel Ariza Martinez, who was arrested and booked on a felony arson charge. His motive remains unknown, and investigators have not indicated any connection between Martinez and the Corvette’s owner.

More details may emerge as the investigation continues, but one thing is already clear: this Torch Red Corvette didn’t just get torched — it became one of the most bizarre car crime stories California has seen in a long time.

Source:
CBS News Sacramento

Related:
[ACCIDENT] C7 Corvette Fire Destroys a South Florida Home
[ACCIDENT] Fiery Crash Takes the Life of a C8 Corvette Driver, Hospitalizes Two Others
[ACCIDENT] Watch the Scary Moment a C8 Corvette Stingray Convertible Catches Fire While Driving

Subscribe Now: