Man accused of trying to set police officer’s car on fire in parking deck

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — A man is facing a number of charges after police say he tried to set an officer’s marked police cruiser on fire.

On Sunday, authorities said an off-duty Brookhaven police officer was in the parking deck at Town Brookhaven around 9 a.m. when he noticed a man pulling the door handles of his cruiser while holding a 5-gallon gasoline canister.

The officer then detained the man, later identified as 28-year-old Spencer Vaughn Klene, until other officers arrived.  

Police said in addition to the gas canister, officers found paper towels and a lighter on Klene.

Klene was taken to the DeKalb County jail and is facing felony charges of criminal attempt to commit arson, criminal attempt to commit interreference with government property and misdemeanor charges of loitering and prowling and public drunkenness.

Authorities are continuing their investigation and say additional charges are possible. If you have any information about this case, you’re asked to call the Brookhaven police department at 404-637-0600.

© 2020 Cox Media Group