GREGG BURRAGE
ABCAction News
Reprinted with Permission

TAMPA - As crews were putting out a fire at a local hotel, officials say, a man kept trying to move one of the hoses. After being repeatedly warned to stop, he was arrested.


A fire broke out at the Rex Motel, 2939 W Hillsborough Avenue, Thursday morning.

Fire crews reported smoke and flames coming from one of the rooms of the single story building. The fire was under control in about 15 minutes. No injuries were reported.

As fire crews were working to put it out, Juan Rivera, 48, address listed as at large, kept trying to move one of the fire hoses.

Reportedly, he thought he was trying to help but he was repeatedly warned to leave the hose alone and get back. He failed to do so and was arrested by Tampa Fire Investigators for obstructing the extinguishment of a fire.

Investigators say the fire started in unit 10. They learned three men share the room, and none were on scene.

Witnesses told investigators the three had a recent run-in with Sherman Turner. Turner is reportedly a homeless person about 35-40 years old, described as a white male, short and stocky.

The witnesses stated they saw Turner enter the room and come running out minutes later before seeing smoke coming from the room and called the fire department.

Fire Investigators are actively looking for Turner so they can interview him.

The fire cause is listed as arson. There are four rooms in this part of the hotel, one was destroyed by flames and three were damaged by water and smoke.

Losses are estimated to be $40,000.