Center man faces multiple charges

MONTE VISTA — A 31-year-old Center man faces a number of charges in connection with an early morning fire Sunday at 712 Clay Street in Monte Vista.

Reports from the Monte Vista Police Department indicate that police officers responded along with the Monte Vista Fire Department to a structure fire at 3:02 a.m. July 29, and subsequent investigation revealed that it was arson.

Investigating officer Edward Rodriguez identified Johnny Madrill, of Center, as the prime suspect, and obtained an arrest warrant on Monday, July 30, charging Madrill with first-dergee arson, harassment, intimidation of a victim/witness, menacing and domestic violence.

Madrill and two other men were located on 1st Ave. and South Broadway St. at 1:30 a.m. Tuesday, July 31.

Responding officers conducted a felony stop on the vehicle and two of the occupants surrendered without incident. However, Madrill refused to comply, stating that he was armed and threatening to shoot officers on the scene.

After a short stand-off with officers, Sgt. Tom Ortega used a less lethal shotgun beanbag round to subdue him and he was taken into custody, then transported to the Rio Grande Medical Center.