Arrest Made in Arson Fire at Hotel in Alamogordo

Suspect arrested in hotel arson firePhoto byAPD

An arrest has been made for an arson at a hotel in Alamogordo. On June 14, 2024, at approximately 6:37 p.m. the Alamogordo Fire Department and Alamogordo Police Department were dispatched to 2404 North White Sands Boulevard, the Budget Inn, for a possible commercial structure fire.

Fire crews observed heavy smoke coming from the north side of the structure and later located the fire within the attic space of the building. Fire operations were put in place, and the fire was suppressed with the assistance of Otero County Emergency Services and Holloman Fire Department, who responded to a mutual aid request from the Alamogordo Fire Department.

The fire resulted in significant structural damage, affecting a total of 13 rooms. Approximately 15 residents were displaced as a result.

The Alamogordo Fire Department Fire Investigations Unit, Alamogordo Police Department Criminal Investigations Division, Alamogordo Code Enforcement, and New Mexico State Fire Marshal’s Office Investigations Division conducted a joint investigation into the origin and cause of the fire.

Through the investigation, a male subject later identified as Michael Scrivner, a 45-year-old Alamogordo resident, was found to have been conducting plumbing repairs within the Budget Inn just prior to the fire’s ignition. It was determined that Scrivner’s negligence caused the fire. Scrivner did not call 911 and fled the scene prior to first responder's arrival.

On July 10, 2024, an Otero County Magistrate Court arrest warrant was issued for Michael Scrivner for one count of negligent arson, a fourth-degree felony. On the same day, Michael Scrivner was contacted by Alamogordo Police Department Patrol Officers, arrested, and transported to the Otero County Detention Center pending his first appearance in Otero County Magistrate Court.