Accused Arsonist of Deputy P.M.’s Government Vehicle is Charged

Allen Martinez

The man believed to have set fire to DPM Patrick Faber’s government issued Mazda SUV appeared in court this morning. Allen Martinez was picked up by Ladyville Police on Thursday morning in connection with the arson that took place around midnight on Tuesday, October eleventh. When he appeared in court this morning, Martinez was told that arson was bailable, however, the Crown objected to bail on several grounds including the seriousness of the offence; secondly, it was believed that Martinez would interfere with witnesses because he knew where the victim lived, and also because the Prosecution said that their case is strongly backed up with surveillance footage. Chief Magistrate Anne Marie Smith remanded Martinez until December fourteenth.  Ladyville Police say that the he has been tried before arson and that they are confident that they picked up the right culprit.

ASP Juanito Cocom, O.C., Ladyville Police

“One thing I could say, we are working hand in hand with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution so we could have a strong case.”

Reporter

“Are you able to say if his previous history at all factored into your investigation?”

Juanito Cocom

ASP Juanito Cocom

“Of course.”

Reporter

“So, were you all, are you able to say if you all were lead to him by his history? Did you find out the history after arrest or is it merely a coincidence?”

ASP Juanito Cocom

“We found the history after the arrest actually. After the detention, sorry, not the arrest.”

Reporter

“He is a resident of where?”

ASP Juanito Cocom

“He is a resident of Central American Boulevard and Double Head Cabbage Village.”

Reporter

“Now, sir, were you able to collect any actual evidence?”

ASP Juanito Cocom

“Yes, we were able to collect physical evidence.”

When Martinez was read the charge, he was informed that he was being charged in connection with the arson that destroyed the fifty-five thousand dollar vehicle, two video cameras and gutters valued over a thousand dollars.