Arson to blame for fire at law offices of Miami Lakes mayor

MIAMI LAKES, Fla. (WSVN) -- Police are looking for whoever set fire to the law offices of Miami Lakes' mayor.

Late Wednesday morning, officials determined that the fire that broke out at the offices of Miami Lakes Mayor Michael Pizzi was intentionally set. "It was determined that the fire was caused by arson," said Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Lieutenant Arnold Piedrahita.

Miami-Dade responded to the building fire near the intersection of Miami Lakes Drive and Red Road around 1 a.m. Wednesday. Investigators believe an arsonist broke into the law offices of Pizzi, doused it with some kind of combustible and set it ablaze. "There were signs of some sort of accelerant poured throughout the floor, the ground of the office space," said Piedrahita.

Pizzi, who was elected almost a year ago and spent 10 years on the town council before that, responded to the criminal act. "When you go into public life, sometimes you become a target, sometimes it gets ugly, but you never expect it to go to this extent," said Pizzi.

The office was completely gutted by flames, and the damages are estimated at $100,000.

Pizzi is now under 24-hour protection by Miami-Dade Police.

If you have any information on this fire, call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Remember, you can always remain anonymous, and you may be eligible for a reward.

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