Fire sparks arrest
Blaze destroys mobile home, resident arrested on outstanding warrant

Copyright © 2008
Gallup Independent
By Philip Stake
Staff writer

GAMERCO — A suspicious house fire in Gamerco Saturday is under investigation by McKinley County Sheriff's Department.

Gallup Fire Department responded to the call, which was received at 2:34 a.m. Nobody was injured in the blaze, which destroyed a single-wide mobile home belonging to Arlene Estrada on the 800 block of Granite Street. Estrada reported the fire from an undisclosed location, knowing she had a bench warrant out for her arrest.

Court records reveal that the bench warrant was issued after Estrada failed to appear for a 2007 hearing in district court on charges relating to burglary.

She eventually met with county officials at the scene of the fire and stated she believed the fire was arson. She was then arrested and booked at McKinley County Adult Detention Center.