HOUSTON, TX – A man has been arrested and charged in connection with the May 27 fire that destroyed Captain Benny’s Seafood Restaurant located at 10896 Northwest Freeway.
Christian Dumser, born November 9, 1983, is charged with Criminal Mischief greater than $300,000 and Reckless Arson of a Building in the 337th District Court. He was arrested Tuesday after a warrant was issued for his involvement.
According to the Houston Fire Department Arson Bureau, Dumser was seen on surveillance video visiting the building the night of the fire and discarding a lit cigarette into nearby bushes. The cigarette reportedly started a smoldering fire, which Dumser acknowledged but did not extinguish. The fire spread and ultimately engulfed the restaurant, which was deemed a total loss. Firefighters worked into the early morning hours to contain the blaze.
The businessowner estimated the damage at more than $1.5 million.
“Something as simple as a discarded cigarette is a real danger, and in this case, caused millions of dollars in damage to a Houston businessowner,” said Chief Keith Kennedy, Deputy Chief Investigator for the HFD Arson Bureau. “HFD Arson will pursue justice for those impacted by careless actions like this, and ensure accountability for those who break the law.”
