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Suspicious Fire Nets Trespassing Charge

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McKENZIE (October 19) — Two people are charged with criminal trespassing after a garage in which they were sleeping was destroyed by fire. McKenzie Police Officer Trey Boucher charged Paul H. Moore, 54, Main Street, McKenzie and Gina L. Alas, 37, Magnolia Avenue, McKenzie in the incident that occurred on October 19 at 5:25 a.m.
According to Officer Boucher’s report, McKenzie Police Department was dispatched to 164 Linden Street to a garage fire. On arrival, the garage and four automobiles were engulfed in fire.
McKenzie Fire Department received the call at 05:21. Responding units: Engine 917, Ladder 919, Rescue 925, Chief 100 Brian Tucker, Chief 103 Roger Christian and Officer in Charge Battalion Chief Jason Arnold.

MPD Officer Cody Coleman determined two persons were sleeping in the garage at the time of the fire. Both had escaped after Moore carried Alas from the burning structure. Her power wheelchair was destroyed in the fire.
Moore indicated he had permission from Elizabeth Heath, the renter, to stay in the garage. Heath and property owner Jose Becerra both denied giving Moore permission to stay in the garage.
Also partially damaged from fire were the two adjacent houses, both owned by Becerra.
The cause of the fire is under investigation. Mr. Moore was arrested on October 22 and transported to Carroll County Jail.