The town of Mosses in Lowndes County is working to find those responsible for setting fire to city and county vehicles at the Mayor's house Friday night.

Mayor Walter Hill believes it was retaliation against his decision to bring back the police department three weeks ago. Hill says burning the cars was a failed attempt to scare him or his new officers. 

Around 8:00 p.m. Friday Mosses police were called to the Mayor’s house after the county and city cars in his front yard were ignited.

“When the officer called me I was at home, I thought he was kidding, and he said, Chief I'm serious, they burned up the cars, so I got en route to the location,” said acting Mosses Police Chief Tommy L. Buford Sr.

Police suspect an individual or group of individuals set fire to the four vehicles parked in Mayo Walter Hill’s front yard. Two vehicles served the Lowndes County Emergency Management Agency (EMA), one vehicle was owned by Mosses and the other was a personal vehicle for a Mosses police officer.

Mayor Hill was not home at the time of the incident, but when he arrived on seen he was shocked at what he saw, but it did not surprise him.

“There was a threat that was made to say that [some residents] didn't want police officers in Mosses and that they would make certain that they would do whatever they can, and they even mentioned that they would destroy the cars,” Hill said.

Hill doesn't think the culprits were targeting his life, but instead the town's two new police cars, but neither he nor the cars were at his house. The mayor’s brother, Curtis Hill, lives next door, and says he is worried his brother could be next.

“I didn't know, I was just scared, when I seen him, when he got on the scene, I grabbed him and broke down and cried because I thought something had happened to my brother,” Hill said.

“If it costs me my life,” said Mayor Walter Hill, “And I say it whole heartedly, for the good of protecting the citizens in this community, then that will be God's will and I stand firm on that.”

Mosses Police Officers say if anything, the car fires are doing the opposite of what the arsonists intended.

“There will be law and order in this town,” said acting police Chief Buford. “[These people] are sending a message, but the message we are sending is that whoever is responsible will be held accountable for their action.”

Mayor Hill says the vehicles’ total damages could cost up to $100,000, but will be covered by auto insurance. For now, the burned vehicles will remain at his house until the State Fire Marshall continues the investigation Monday.

The Mosses Police Department says it has some persons of interest, but is still looking for your help in solving this case. If you have any information on those responsible for the arson, please call the Lowndes County Sheriff Department at 334-548-2222.