One day after releasing information about a restaurant fire in Jasper, state investigators have made an arrest in the case.
According to a press statement from Safety Fire Commissioner John King, investigators from his office assisted with the arrest of Tyler Jose Suarez of Jasper. King said Suarez was charged with one count of first degree arson in connection with a Tuesday night fire at Bee's Home Cooking. Suarez is the owner of the restaurant.
"People who deliberately set fire to a structure, whether it be for insurance money or revenge, will be arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. Any form of arson will not be tolerated in this state," said King.
The 3,698 square-foot building suffered moderate damage to the interior. No one was inside at the time of the fire. Initially, investigators Investigators believe that the arson might have been connected to another restaurant fire in the area but King said they no longer believe that to be the case.
King said first degree arson is a felony punishable by a fine of no more than $50,000 or by a prison term between one and 20 years, or both.
