Teen Arrested for Vegas Apartment Fire

Nov. 26, 2003
A teenager was arrested Tuesday in connection with a fire that destroyed most of an apartment complex under construction, causing millions of dollars in damage.
LAS VEGAS (AP) -- A teenager was arrested Tuesday in connection with a fire that destroyed most of an apartment complex under construction, causing millions of dollars in damage.

The 17-year-old was being held at a juvenile detention center, authorities said. He faces nine counts of arson.

The Sept. 4 fire destroyed 23 buildings and 349 units in southeast Las Vegas. No one was injured, but the blaze caused about $10 million in damage. Agents with the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives assisted in the investigation.

``It is disturbing to know that a juvenile would do such a terrible act and put so many people's lives at risk,'' developer Jim Hernquist said in a statement.

Efforts to rebuild the complex were under way, he said.

Fire officials declined to discuss a motive or how the fire was started.

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