FOX5 fileLAS VEGAS (FOX5) -
According to Metro police, a fire Monday afternoon at an apartment complex at Swenson Street and Flamingo Road was started intentionally by an assault suspect.
Police said the incident allegedly began when a man attempted to break into a victim's room at the Siegel Suites. When the victim called police, he was hit in the face by the suspect.
Police arrived and removed the suspect from the property but not before he started a fire inside one of the apartments.
Residents were evacuated and northbound Swenson was shut down as Clark County firefighters battled the blaze. Upon arrival, firefighters found heavy smoke and flames coming from the first-floor apartment. Fire was spreading to the second floor quickly.
Firefighters managed to extinguish the fire in about four minutes. One male occupant was taken to Sunrise Hospital for treatment.
The fire caused an estimated $30,000 in damage. The American Red Cross is assisting six adults displaced in the fire.
Copyright 2012 KVVU (KVVU Broadcasting Corporation). All rights reserved.
