Russell Marquis Arrested By Melbourne Police For Arson
By Space Coast Daily // June 13, 2014
also charged with Burglary of dwelling
BREVARD COUNTY • MELBOURNE, FLORIDA – Melbourne police officers arrested Russell Marquis, 60, and charged him with Arson of a structure and Burglary of dwelling.
According to the Melbourne Police Department, just prior to 8 p.m. on Thursday night, Melbourne police officers responded to British Performance Inc., located at 1612 N. Harbor City Boulevard, in reference to a fire.
When officers arrived, they saw flames coming from a white pop-up style camper near the rear of the vehicle maintenance business.
Officers were approached by a neighbor, who said she saw a man manipulating a propane tank on the camper prior to the fire. The man she saw was twisting knobs and moving the tank’s connectors before walking off.
WITNESS PROVIDES DISCRIPTION OF SUSPECT
Once the man left the area on foot, the witness said she noticed black smoke coming from the propane tank before there was a loud burst and visible flames.
According to the Melbourne Police Department, the witness was able to provide officers with a physical description of the suspect and a man matching the description was located less than a half mile away near the Subway sandwich shop at 1377 N. Harbor City Boulevard.
The witness then positively identified Marquis as the man she saw touching the propane tank on the camper before it went up in flames.Marquis was taken into custody for arson and burglary and transported to the Brevard County Jail.
A representative from the State Fire Marshal’s office also responded to conduct an investigation. The camper sustained an estimated $5,000 in damage.
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ABOVE MAP: The Melbourne Police Department, just prior to 8 p.m. on Thursday night, responded to British Performance Inc., located at 1612 N. Harbor City Boulevard, in reference to a fire.
