Man charged with arson in motel fire that displaced 15

EL PASO, Texas ( KTSM ) — A 45-year-old man has been arrested for alleged negligent arson after a motel fire displaced 15 residents in Alamogordo last month, according to a news release issued by Alamogordo Fire and Police Departments on Friday, July 12.

Michael Scrivner, 45, was doing plumbing repairs at the Budget Inn, located at 2404 North White Sands Blvd., before the ignition of the fire on Friday, June 14, according to the news release.

Scrivner did not call 911 and fled the motel before first responders arrived, according to the news release.

The AFD Fire Investigations Unit, Alamogordo Code Enforcement Division, New Mexico State Fire Marshals Investigation Division and the Alamogordo Police Detectives Division conducted a joint investigation into the origin and cause of the fire, officials said.

On Wednesday, July 10, an arrest warrant was issued for Scrivner for one count of negligent arson as a fourth degree felony, according to officials.

Scrivner was contacted by Alamogordo Police and transported to the Otero County Detention Center, officials said. He is waiting for his first court appearance.

As previously reported by KTSM, on June 14, the Alamogordo Fire and Police Department responded to the Budget Inn for a possible commercial structure fire.

Fire crews saw the heavy smoke and located the fire in the attic space of the building, officials said.

The fire resulted in significant structural damage that affected 13 rooms and displaced about 15 long-term residents.

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