Molotov cocktail flung at Merced apartment

MERCED -- No one was hurt during an attempted arson incident in Merced on Tuesday, in which a Molotov cocktail was thrown at the office of an apartment complex, police reported.

The incident happened before 12:30 p.m. at the Meadow Lark apartments, 3270 Meadows Ave. The bottle hit an air-conditioning unit on the outside of the building. Gasoline went into the air conditioner and the building, according to Sgt. Alan Ward. Residents were able to put out the small fire, which caused slight damage to the air conditioner and carpet.

No suspects were arrested, though witnesses did see one man running from the scene.

Police ask anyone with any information to call (209) 385-4702 or the department’s automated tipline at (209) 385-4725. Tips can also be sent via anonymous text message by dialing “TIP411” (847411) and including the word “COMVIP” as the keyword in the text message.