Palm Springs resident GP Gerber said he is still in shock one day after his car, which had an Israeli flag hanging from his rearview mirror, caught fire on Tuesday.

The incident happened while his car was parked outside of his office, and prompted Gerber to immediately call police and file a report.

Palm Springs police have confirmed that officers have launched an investigation into the incident.

"We will need some time to have our arson investigators follow up on the cause. The victim has expressed the same concern that it was related to the flag. This will be looked at as a potential hate crime if the arson investigation determines a criminal element," according to Lieutenant Gustavo Araiza.