Firebombing in Phoenix – Repossession agency targeted

Caught on video

Phoenix, AZ – May 20, 2022 – It was just before midnight last Sunday when a man wearing a hoodie and backpack walked into the alley behind the impound yard of Reliable Recovery Services. Shortly after, video captured a pair of fireballs resembling Molotov cocktails launched over the fence and then the man running away.

Reliable Recovery Services in West Phoenix is owned by Dan and Lucy Ketterer. Both have been in the repossession industry for more than twenty years and have dealt with all manner of calls, but the cal they received early Monday morning of the 16^th was most disturbing.

“I’m still in such shock to be quite honest,” said Lucy. “Even coming back here, it hurts my insides. I mean, they’re not my cars but still, you just feel, I don’t know if hurt is the right word, but violated.”

Arriving firefighters managed to extinguish the flames before they spread to the rest of the yard and an investigation is underway.

And that investigation begins with the company’s surveillance video, which leads the Ketterers to believe that their business was targeted.

“He looks over the fence and he just throws over this bottle or can or firebomb is what I call them,” said Lucy. “A few seconds later he throws another one over.”

Shortly before midnight last Sunday, the video captures a person wearing a hoodie and backpack walking into the alley behind the impound yard.

Moments later, two fireballs that resemble Molotov cocktails are launched over the fence before the same person runs away.

“I can’t think of any other reason other than a disgruntled customer upset that their car was repossessed,” said Lucy.

Now the couple is asking the public for help in finding the person responsible. Lucy said insurance premiums are high for those in the repossession business.

“This is a huge hit, we go up for renewal in September and we are on pins and needles,” said Lucy. “I have no idea how much it will go up.”