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Police investigating body found in burned car as possible homicide

Posted at 8:06 AM, Jun 22, 2017
and last updated 2017-06-22 21:31:33-04

Police say during a police briefing that they believe that the body found in a burning vehicle this morning was the result of a homicide, possibly a shooting.

The car was found burning in a neighborhood near Smoke Ranch and Rainbow Boulevard shortly after 4:30 a.m. Police are saying that it's possible that the victim inside of the vehicle was shot before the vehicle caught fire. They were specific to point out that this is just a theory as of now.

Lori Pierce lives feet away from where the car caught fire and said her son heard guns shots before they saw the flames. 

"He thought he heard maybe two to four," Piece said. "It was frightening to come out and see the car on fire." 

Hannah Pinzon looked couldn’t believe what she was seeing as she looked outside her window.

“I saw this orange glow through my window. I looked out there and this car has been devoured by fire,” Pinzon said. “It was really scary.”

Her father, Martin, tried to calm her down. But it was tough. “You open your eyes and you see a flaming car outside your window, it’s a little scary, a little unnerving,” he said.

police are also investigating a nearby robbery at Five Star Tavern.

Officers say minutes before the car fire, two armed suspects, who had their faces covered, robbed the bar and two customers.  

Jim Minchey, the president of Five Star Gaming, is not sure if the crimes are connected. He says, however, his company strives to ensure the security of customers and employees.

“We are extremely grateful that our team members are unharmed, our customers are safe and unharmed.”

Police do not know if the two are connected at this time, but say they could be. 

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.