Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and State Fire Marshal Blaise Ingoglia announced the arrest of Jeffthe Arisda for arson and attempted murder over his alleged involvement in a North Miami Beach residential structure fire resulting in $120,000 damages through a release this week.
According to a witness, Arisda was "acting aggressively" collecting piles of napkins and paper while also taking a disposable lighter into the bedroom of the home. He was then seen running out of the bedroom yelling there was a fire.
"Violent criminals like arsonists who put innocent lives at risk must be taken off the streets," Ingoglia said. "I am proud of the work of my investigators, our friends at Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, and the North Miami Beach Police Department to ensure that this criminal is locked up and cannot cause further harm to others. My investigators will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that crimes like arson are pursued to the fullest extent of the law.”
Specifically, an investigation led by the Department of Financial Services, Bureau of Fire, Arson, and Explosives Investigations (BFAEI) with assistance from Miami-Dade Fire Rescue determined the fire originated in the bedroom. BFAEI detectives also discovered no ignition source and instead found combustibles in the area of the fire's origin.
The fire was classified as incendiary, or intentionally set, by detectives.
Per CFO Ingoglia, Arisda was questioned by detectives but became agitated and violent over his alleged involvement. He also had been previously seen making threats to family and slashing tires of his stepfather’s car, per witness interviews.
Arsida was arrested by the North Miami Beach Police Department on Oct. 23. Based off all the circumstances, Arsida was charged with first-degree arson and second-degree attempted murder over the incident.
CFO Ingoglia also announced an arrest of a man accused of starting an arson fire earlier this year.
