Officials say incident involving police vehicle is not believed to be accidental

SOUTH BEND, Ind. – The fire that destroyed the police vehicle known as the “Armadillo” is not believed to be caused by a mechanical error, according to officials.

In mid-November, the Armadillo Nuisance Abatement Vehicle had caught fire while parked on the South Bend’s northwest side.

Police said that the vehicle, which cost around $20,000, is not salvageable, but some of the parts can be used again.

The vehicle fire was also in the vicinity of the area where a string of neighborhood fires occurred over the past few months.

Police are currently searching for grants or funds to replace the armadillo.