Headline: Puerto Rico: Tourist Suspected in Cabo Rojo Arson Case Could Face Charges Soon
Article:
Puerto Rico’s police and prosecutors are inching closer to filing charges against a tourist suspected of setting a fire that damaged four businesses in the western town of Cabo Rojo. The blaze, which broke out early last Thursday, destroyed a bar, a restaurant, and a store, and caused significant damage to a hotel.
According to social media reports, the suspect, identified as Danielle Bertothy from San Luis, Missouri, had been at the bar earlier and left after an altercation. She allegedly returned later with a gallon of gasoline, poured it in front of the bar, and set it ablaze. She is believed to have left the island afterward.
The fire at Bar Marea Combate also affected Marinera Restaurant, Artesanías Juavia, and Luichys Guest House, where several people were staying but fortunately, no one was injured.
Investigators have identified Bertothy as a person of interest and are working to gather sufficient evidence before officially charging her. Lieutenant Miguel A. Rivera Sepúlveda of the Mayagüez Division of Explosives, leading the investigation, confirmed that charges are imminent.
"[W]e are collecting all the information we have, lifting the reports, supporting all the information to see what will be charged against the person," Rivera said. "As soon as we have something concrete, then we will give a report."
While there are videos of the incident circulating on social media, police need to obtain the original versions to present in court. Authorities also plan to seek extradition if charges are filed while Bertothy is not on the island.
Meanwhile, the damaged businesses are soliciting help through GoFundMe campaigns, and at least one of the owners is considering legal action against the suspect and any other parties involved in the incident. The community has been showing solidarity with the affected businesses.
Stay tuned for updates on this developing story.
