Arsonist Arrested in North Philadelphia Warehouse Fire

ATF Citywide Arson Task Force Makes Arrest

PHILADELPHIA, April 10 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Special Agent in Charge Mark W. Potter of the Philadelphia Division, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); Charles H. Ramsey, police commissioner of the Philadelphia Police Department; and Lloyd Ayers, fire commissioner of the Philadelphia Fire Department announce the arrest of one man on the charges of arson and related offenses for the fire that destroyed the vacant warehouse located at 2136 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, Pa., April 9.

The ATF Citywide Arson Task Force arrested Juan Santa, 43, of the 600 block of W. Diamond Street, Philadelphia, Pa., on state charges of Arson, Causing/Risking a Catastrophe, Burglary, Reckless Endangerment, Failure to Prevent a Catastrophe, Criminal Mischief and Criminal Trespass. Santa will be formally charged later today.

There were no injuries sustained by the firefighters while combating the five alarm fire. The damage to the property is estimated to be $500,000.

The ATF Arson Task Force comprises Philadelphia Police Department detectives, Philadelphia Fire Department fire marshals and ATF special agents.

CONTACT: Special Agent John Hageman of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, +1-215-446-7808

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

CONTACT: Special Agent John Hageman of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco,
Firearms and Explosives, +1-215-446-7808

Web Site: http://www.atf.gov/

2008-04-10 19:39:14 0333572 PRNEWSWIRE