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Police investigating after man found dead inside burned car

Posted at 5:25 PM, Nov 12, 2016
and last updated 2016-11-12 21:14:22-05
Charred markings seen in a driveway on Olympia Street. A neighbor confirms to FOX 17 its where a car burned overnight.

Charred markings seen in a driveway on Olympia Street. A neighbor confirms to FOX 17 its where a car burned overnight.

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The Grand Rapids Police Department says it’s investigating after a man’s body was found inside a vehicle that had been set on fire overnight on the city’s southwest side.

Firefighters were called to extinguish a car that had been set on fire in a driveway in the 700 block of Olympia St. SW around 3:30 a.m. Saturday, according to a news release from GRPD.

Once the fire was extinguished police say firefighters discovered the severely burned body of a man inside the vehicle and immediately notified authorities.

Oliver Hernandez, 21 courtesy photo

Oliver Hernandez, 21 courtesy photo

FOX 17’s Rebecca Russell learned the victim is 21-year-old Oliver Hernandez, according to a man who said he was a family friend who attended church with Hernandez.

However, police say they are awaiting results of dental records to make an official positive identification.

Police say they are considering the man’s death ‘suspicious’ and could not immediately determined how the fire was started.

Anyone with information is urged to call GRPD at 616-456-3400 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345.