Investigators: Fake joint sparked fire at National Hispanic Cultural Center
Marian Camacho
March 20, 2019 05:30 PM
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - Investigators are revealing what sparked a fire at the National Hispanic Cultural Center earlier this month.
According to investigators, the overnight security guard, Matthew Luxon and his friend, Lyle Thompson, were sitting on the balcony firing shots into the Bosque.
The two men then allegedly started rolling fake joints with drink receipts and actual weeds, not marijuana, and taking pictures. Investigators say one of them dropped their smoke, sparking the fire.
An alarm service called, but police said Luxon told the dispatcher that the system was under maintenance and no response was needed.
Officials said the fire caused about a half million dollars in damage.
Both men face negligent arson and conspiracy charges. Luxon faces an additional charge of tampering with evidence.
Credits
Marian Camacho
Updated: March 20, 2019 05:30 PM
Created: March 20, 2019 12:01 PM
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