“I went downstairs to make sure my brother wasn’t in the car. And thankfully, he wasn’t, because he sometimes smoked cigarettes,” Layal Awde said.

FORT WORTH, Texas — A newly released video shows a vehicle fire that investigators say was intentionally set as part of a string of arsons in a South Fort Worth neighborhood. 

Layal Awde and her family ended up being one of several victims targeted by an arson suspect.

“I look outside, and the car is on fire, it looks like a big explosion, and my mom was sleeping, and I start yelling out, there’s a fire, there’s a fire,” Awde said.

The vehicle, specially equipped for Layal Awde’s paraplegic brother, caught fire on Dec. 31. Awde said she heard the fire outside and immediately searched for her brother, fearing he might have been inside.

“I went downstairs to make sure my brother wasn’t in the car. And thankfully, he wasn’t, because he sometimes smoked cigarettes,” Layal Awde said.

Investigators say the fire was one of five vehicle fires set in the same South Fort Worth neighborhood between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day. Authorities say all five were intentionally set by the same person, identified as 17-year-old Evan Banda.

Interim Fort Worth Fire Chief Ray Hill announced the arrest following a joint investigation between the Fort Worth Fire Department and the Fort Worth Police Department.

“These fires were set during late-night hours, typically between 11 [p.m.] and 2 a.m., and followed a certain pattern,” Hill said.

“We were all able to collaborate as a team. It’s amazing. I think we are all happy about it, with this particular case,” Fort Worth Police Chief Eddie Garcia said.

According to court documents, investigators identified Banda based on his clothing and hairstyle, which were captured on home security cameras. Investigators say the fires were set after Banda found unlocked vehicles parked out of plain view during overnight hours.

“I am relieved that he is no longer on the street,” said Michelle Barrera, whose family had a vehicle among those set on fire.

While grateful no one was injured, Barrera said the incident left a lasting impact on her family and the community.

“The effect that he put on our family and on our community, the scare that we had, but I would also want him to get help,” Barrera said.

Authorities confirmed during a news conference that although Banda is 17, he is being charged as an adult.