Tag: Arson Investigation

Suspect Apprehended Following Suspicious Fire Incident at Mamma Mia’s Italian Restaurant

Homestead, Florida – A concerning incident unfolded on Monday, September 18, at approximately 8:30 a.m., when employees of Mamma Mia Italian Restaurant, situated on Washington Avenue in Homestead, discovered a fire at the rear of their establishment as they prepared for the day’s lunch service. The fire, which posed a significant threat, was fueled by… Continue reading Suspect Apprehended Following Suspicious Fire Incident at Mamma Mia’s Italian Restaurant

Homestead, Florida – A concerning incident unfolded on Monday, September 18, at approximately 8:30 a.m., when employees of Mamma Mia Italian Restaurant, situated on Washington Avenue in Homestead, discovered a fire at the rear of their establishment as they prepared for the day’s lunch service. The fire, which posed a significant threat, was fueled by the sizable propane tanks that serve as the restaurant’s standby generator fuel source.

The quick actions of individuals present at the site and the attentiveness of a contractor who happened to be there for a bathroom renovation inspection were instrumental in preventing a more severe situation. Maria Lombardo, who co-owns the restaurant with her husband, conveyed her appreciation, saying, “We are thankful that the inspection was planned for this morning. The Fire Department and the police arrived promptly, and, most importantly, none of our employees suffered any injuries.”

In response to the emergency, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue Battalion Chief, Juan Del Campo, reported that six units with 23 firefighters rapidly converged on the scene. Their primary focus was to cool down the propane tanks, safeguard the restaurant building, and protect the surrounding properties. When asked about the possible cause of the fire, Chief Del Campo cautiously stated, “Of course, pending further investigation, it appears to be arson.”

Homestead Police Officers, who were on-site, confirmed their pursuit of a person of interest related to the incident. By approximately 10:40 a.m., law enforcement had taken an individual into custody, pending confirmation through witness identification.

Subsequent investigation efforts conclusively identified the detained individual as the perpetrator of the fire. Juan Martinez, aged 59, was arrested and charged accordingly. Captain Fernando Morales of the Homestead Police Department disclosed that Martinez provided a full confession.

The incident also drew the presence of Homestead Code Enforcement and Building inspectors, in conjunction with Miami-Dade Fire Rescue inspectors. These teams worked collaboratively to ensure the safety of the interior environment and expedite the reopening of this beloved community restaurant.

Maria Lombardo expressed her appreciation for the support received from the community during this trying time and conveyed the restaurant’s intention to resume operations as quickly as possible.

Clovis, New Mexico: Suspect Charged in $42 Million Walmart Fire

In a shocking incident, a Walmart store in Clovis, New Mexico, was set ablaze, causing an estimated $42 million in damages. The alleged perpetrator, Jimmy Guillen, a 59-year-old man, now faces a slew of serious charges, including arson, tampering with evidence, aggravated burglary, and possession of a destructive device by a felon. On September 3,… Continue reading Clovis, New Mexico: Suspect Charged in $42 Million Walmart Fire

In a shocking incident, a Walmart store in Clovis, New Mexico, was set ablaze, causing an estimated $42 million in damages. The alleged perpetrator, Jimmy Guillen, a 59-year-old man, now faces a slew of serious charges, including arson, tampering with evidence, aggravated burglary, and possession of a destructive device by a felon.

On September 3, around 3:30 a.m., emergency responders were summoned to the Walmart located at 3728 Prince Street in Clovis. Upon arrival, they were met with a devastating sight: the entire building was engulfed in flames. The authorities quickly started looking into the matter.

Jimmy Guillen came under immediate scrutiny as he was spotted at a nearby Allsup’s convenience store shortly after the fire started. Observers noted that he had ash and soot on his clothing, further raising suspicions. However, despite initial concerns, Guillen was released from custody due to a lack of concrete evidence linking him to the fire.

Shortly after Guillen’s release, authorities received reports of an attempted arson at a nearby Lowe’s Home Improvement store. Security footage revealed Guillen trying to break into Lowe’s with a cinderblock and, in another video, holding a torch in his hand. Thankfully, this attempt was thwarted.

Upon closer examination of the charred Walmart, investigators uncovered several intact propane canisters in a lounge area. Perhaps the most disturbing discovery was a propane tank rigged as a makeshift pipe bomb. This device was found outside the store and was taped with a box, filled with beads, glass, rocks, and various sharp objects.

Security footage from Walmart showed Guillen grabbing propane tanks from the sporting goods section, damaging some with a hammer, and placing others near a torch with an open flame. The video evidence indicated that the fire ignited near one of these makeshift explosives. As the footage played on, the fire grew larger and more intense.

In the wake of this destructive incident, the cost of damages was estimated to be a staggering $42 million. The impact of this fire on the local community cannot be overstated, as it not only caused immense financial losses but also disrupted the lives of numerous individuals.