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Arson Charge Added In Burglary Case

RUGENE MOORE / News Channel 8

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By VALERIE KALFRIN | The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 5, 2007

Updated: 10/05/2007 09:32 am

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TAMPA - Deputies arresting a man they say broke into a convenience store early today also booked him on an arson charge after the store burst into flames during the arrest, officials said.

Juan Hernandez Mendoza, 28, no known address, was taken to Orient Road Jail and held without bail.

According to arrest affidavits, Hillsborough County deputies arrested Mendoza about 2 a.m. at Handy Food Mart, 13710 Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, saying he had broken the glass on the front door and taken approximately $523 in cash and merchandise.

While searching Mendoza outside, deputies noticed flames inside the store, the affidavits state. A fire marshal responded and determined the fire was set near a safe inside the business, the affidavits state.

Hillsborough County Fire Rescue said the blaze escalated to a two-alarm fire and was extinguished within 30 minutes. There was no structural damage to the building. Damage was limited to the contents. No damage estimate was available.

Mendoza also is charged with felony grand theft, battery of a law enforcement officer and misdemeanor criminal mischief. Affidavits state he spit on one of the deputies and caused a 2-inch tear in the upholstery of the patrol car.

Reporter Valerie Kalfrin can be reached at (813) 259-7800 or vkalfrin@tampatrib.com.

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