Las Vegas Sun

April 19, 2024

crime:

Man late on rent accused of arson; damage at $100,000

Updated Thursday, Oct. 7, 2010 | 3:20 p.m.

Click to enlarge photo

Charles Edward King

Apartment fire

A man facing eviction allegedly started a fire in his apartment off Bonanza Road this morning that caused $100,000 in damage, fire officials said.

Charles Edward King, 46, who allegedly told investigators that he started the blaze, will be charged with first-degree arson, officials said. He was taken to the Clark County Detention Center.

Las Vegas Fire and Rescue spokesman Tim Szymanski said the fire at 531 N. 15th St., near Bonanza Road and Bruce Street, was started at 10:27 a.m. in a single-story residential complex. No one was injured, he said.

Metro Police apprehended King on Bruce Street after he was seen watching the fire and then walking away, Szymanski said. He was brought to fire investigators, where he made the alleged confession, fire officials said.

The apartment manager said King was behind on his rent payments and was on the verge of eviction if he didn't catch up on bills, fire officials said.

The blaze gutted the man's apartment, but an adjoining unit wasn't damaged, Szymanski said. Fire officials are continuing the investigation.

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