Arson destroys auto-repair shop

STAFF REPORT

YOUNGSTOWN — Arson is the cause of a fire that destroyed Citywide Enterprises, a vehicle-repair business at 1211 Randall Ave. on the city’s North Side.

Capt. Alvin Ware, chief fire investigator, said it was the second arson at the shop in about a month.

Firefighters were called to the location Feb. 19 when fire was found at the rear of the building and determined that several vehicles had been set ablaze. Flames spread to the roof and walls, and damage was estimated at $9,000 in that blaze.

The structure was destroyed in a fire just after 12 a.m. Friday.

The loss was estimated at $53,000 to the building and contents.

One firefighter suffered an elbow injury at the scene.

Firefighters found that one side of the building had collapsed and the roof had fallen in on three cars, and there was heavy smoke and flames throughout the building. A rear overhead door was standing open, firefighters said.

Ware said the business, owned by Rashid Gardner of Auburndale Avenue, had been closed since the Feb. 19 fire.

A towing company tenant of the property had recently moved out, Ware said.