Man wanted for arson following Monday morning fire in Boaz

BOAZ, Ala. ( WHNT ) — The Boaz Police Department (BPD) is asking for the public’s help finding a man wanted for setting a building on fire early Monday morning.

BPD said Jomar Alexis Velazquez Gonzalez will face second-degree arson and third-degree burglary charges when he is found.

According to authorities, first responders arrived at a structure fire at 100 Roger Avenue and found the old Mt Vernon Market on fire.

The department said officers on the scene spoke with witnesses and determined the fire was an arson. After an initial investigation by Detective Ray Cumby, arrest warrants were signed for Gonzalez.

Authorities said Gonzalez’s bond has been set at $250,000.

The Boaz Fire Department posted on social media that they responded to a fire at a building that appeared to be the old Mt. Vernon Market Monday morning.

Boaz Fire Chief Jeff Beck confirmed to News 19 that fire crews responded to the fire at 100 Roger Avenue at around 12:49 a.m. Monday morning. He said the former Mt Vernon Market building had been vacant for a long time. Beck said the building was a total loss with no chance it could be repaired.

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Anyone with information regarding the case or Gonzalez’s whereabouts should call the Boaz Police Department at (256) 593-6812.

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