Fire In Downtown Hostel Ruled Arson
Suspect Arrested By Arson Investigators Trying To Flee City On A Bus
Las Vegas Fire & Rescue arson investigators have determined that a fire was intentionally set in a hostel on South Las Vegas Boulevard early this morning. The suspect, who fled the scene, was apprehended later by arson investigators as he tried to leave town. The occupants of the room where the fire occurred escaped without injury. The suspect is being held at the Clark County Detention Center.
Firefighters were called to the Hostel Cat, located at 1236 S. Las Vegas Blvd. at 3:50 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 5, after the fire sprinkler system was activated and set off alarms. When firefighters arrived at the one-story brick building, light smoke was showing from one of the rooms. Firefighters were advised that everyone had evacuated the building. When firefighters arrived at the room, they found the fire sprinkler system had put most of the fire out. Firefighters searched for any remaining embers.
Guests told firefighters that a person set fire to the room while four people were sleeping in two bunk beds. The room has six bunk beds in it. People told firefighters they believed the fire was intentionally set and the person responsible had left the scene. Arson investigators then responded to the incident.
After investigating at the scene, arson investigators alleged that the fire was set by a former employee of the hostel who had been terminated earlier that morning. The suspect had allegedly gotten into an altercation with guests.
Idriss Cherifi, 32, was located at the Greyhound bus depot downtown by Las Vegas Metropolitan Police officers and detained for arson investigators. He had just purchased a ticket and was attempting to leave town. He was arrested and transported to the Clark County Detention Center and charged with First Degree Arson.
The fire caused $2000 damage to personal items and mattresses. The building was not damaged, and the fire sprinkler system kept the fire from escalating.
There were no reported injuries during the incident.
END ## LVFR/PIO-TRS
E14,10,1,201, T1, R4,1, EMS1, B1,2, 6i4,7,8,9
Incident: 9332448
|
