Arson Attack on Hotchandani Vehicles: No Motive Yet

Assistant Commissioner of Police Hilberto Romero provided an update on the arson investigation involving the Hotchandani family’s vehicles.

On Sunday, December 22, 2024, around 5:05 a.m., police responded to a report of vehicles on fire on Princess Margaret Drive. Upon arrival, officers found three luxury vehicles engulfed in flames: a 2022 Cadillac Escalade valued at $250,000, a 2023 Audi Q7 worth $150,000, and a Chevrolet Silverado pickup truck valued at $85,000.

The vehicles belonged to businessman Bob Hotchandani and his son, Sunjay Hotchandani. The fire department was called to the scene and successfully extinguished the blaze, preventing it from spreading to nearby structures.

The investigation revealed that the vehicles had been parked at the location overnight. Security footage showed three individuals arriving by boat, dousing the vehicles with a flammable substance, setting them on fire, and then fleeing in the direction of Golden Bay. Police have detained one suspect, identified as Manuel Morales, in connection with the incident. A container with suspected accelerant remains was recovered from the scene.

Why did they do it?

ACP Romero told reporters that no motive has been established at this time. He added that the investigation is ongoing, with follow-up work being conducted to apprehend the remaining suspects.