I nearly skipped the news release from the Maryland State Fire Marshal's Office headlined: "Owner charged in burning of vehicle." Didn't exactly get my attention. Not exactly a unique motive.

I'm glad I didn't stop. Here's part of the second paragraph: "Deputy state fire marshals believe the motive for the fire was due to the high cost of fuel ..." The sentence continued, "... and his monthly payments."

But it was the gas thing that stuck out.

Sean Patrick Murphy, 23, who lives in Oxon Hill in Prince George's County, allegedly drove his 2007 Dodge pickup truck to his mother's house in St. Mary's County back on June 14. About 10:30 p.m., he reported the fire to authorities. Damage to the truck was estimated at $15,000.

Joseph G. Zurolo Jr., a spokesman for the fire marshal's office, wouldn't say how the fire was allegedly set. But he did say someone close to the suspect tipped them off and provided some clues about the means and the motive.

This is not the first case of a destroying a car to avoid the high price of gas. "I think we're starting to see a little bit more of these SUV-type vehicles that are conveniently burning," Zurolo told me. "I have no hard numbers or figures to show, but it certainly seems the trend is starting to rise."

I wanted to talk with the suspect but he didn't answer a phone number I found listed for him. I wanted to ask him why he didn't just stop driving until he had more money.