Arson charges levied

TUCUMCARI - A Tucumcari man is facing felony arson charges after allegedly admitting to setting a neighbor's residence on fire after a dispute.

Andrew McKinney, 36, is currently held without bond at the Quay County Detention Center on a charge of second degree Arson (over $20,000).

McKinney was arrested on July 22, after Tucumcari Police Department Officers responded to the 800 block of East Laughlin Avenue for a report of a deliberate structure fire.

According to a criminal complaint filed by Tucumcari Police Department Cpl. Shaun Slate:

n At 1:46 a.m., on July 22, a resident reported seeing a male subject start a fire on the front porch of a residence on the 800 block of East Laughlin Avenue.

n A male subject, later identified as McKinney, was seen leaving the area on foot after starting the fire. Slate observed a male subject on foot as he approached the scene and requested officer Reyes Gonzales make contact with the individual.

n Upon arrival, Slate reported large flames consuming the porch and roof. Slate said music could be heard from inside the residence. Slate attempted to gain access to the residence but the doors were locked. Slate began knocking on windows to try and alert the residents of the fire.

n Slate was attempting to kick in the back door, when a neighbor informed him the residents were not in the residence.

n The resident, Shelly Naylor, returned to the residence and spoke with Slate about an argument she had earlier with McKinney. Naylor told McKinney to leave her residence several times. Naylor said after McKinney left she decided to leave to avoid having McKinney return to the residence.

n Slate stated that Gonzales had made contact with McKinney, who allegedly admitted to starting the fire.