Suspect in Hotchandani Vehicle Arson Attack in Custody

Police have detained one Manuel M. in connection with the suspected arson attack that destroyed three luxury vehicles belonging to the Hotchandani family early Sunday morning. He was identified through security footage that captured the incident on Princess Margaret Drive.

The attack, which occurred around 5:05 a.m., caused an estimated $485,000 in damages. Among the vehicles destroyed were a 2022 Cadillac Escalade valued at $250,000, a 2023 Audi Q7 worth $150,000, and an $85,000 brown Chevy Silverado. The Cadillac and Silverado belonged to 75-year-old businessman Bob Hotchandani and his son, 43-year-old Sunjay Hotchandani, respectively.

Reports indicate that shortly after Bob parked the Escalade outside his Barrack Road residence, three men arrived by boat, poured a flammable substance on the vehicles, set them ablaze, and fled in the direction of Golden Bay. The Belize Fire Service quickly responded, containing the flames before they spread to nearby structures.

Investigators recovered a container with suspected accelerant remains from the scene. While the Escalade was comprehensively insured, the Silverado only carried third-party coverage.