Authorities Search For Lawrence Nightclub Arson Suspect

LAWRENCE (CBS) -- Police are looking for an arson suspect captured on surveillance video outside of a Lawrence nightclub on Sunday evening.

According to a police report obtained by WBZ, the suspect drove up behind Attika Club at 1 Mill Street just before 8 p.m. and poured gasoline near the back door of the business.

The owner of the club was sitting in his office when a flash of light on his surveillance camera monitors caught his attention. He rushed outside and put out the flames with a fire extinguisher.

An estimated 80 to 90 people were inside the club during the time of the incident. They were not evacuated and no injuries were reported.

"Because of the crowd, the crowded situation and the panic it causes and how quickly something like this can catch on fire, they're very dangerous. There is a certain amount of exits to a building like that. So it can be dangerous," Lawrence Police Chief James Fitzpatrick told WBZ.

On Monday, there was charring visible around the door where the first started, but no structural damage to the building.

Surveillance video showed a gold older model Honda Accord pull up near the building with its hazard lights on. A man with a small build and a dark hooded sweatshirt exited the vehicle carrying a gas can.

After making a "pouring motion" near the back door, the suspect placed the gas can in his car and drove away.

A witness told police the Honda Accord had New Jersey plates.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Lawrence Police at 978-794-5900.