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‘ATF asked for arson investigator’s report on clothing store blaze’
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Posted on Nov 26 2011
By Ferdie de la Torre
Reporter
Reporter
The report of an arson investigator who looked into the fire that broke out at a clothing store in Garapan last year has been turned over to the U.S. Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms, according to a counsel of an insurance company.
Richard W. Pierce, counsel for FirstNet Insurance Co., said the arson investigator’s report was given to an ATF agent at the agent’s request.
Pierce made the disclosure in FirstNet’s response on Wednesday to request for production of documents and things filed by Zheng Rui Brother Corp., owner of BL Clothing Store.
Pierce said the same report was provided to Zheng Rui Brother Corp.
Zheng Rui Brother Corp., through counsel Ramon Quichocho, specifically requested FirestNet to provide any and all complaints, reports, and/or charges that Pierce submitted to, or filed, with the ATF, or with any other local or federal enforcement agency/agencies.
On other requests, Pierce said they already produced over 700 photographs taken at the scene, the chemical analysis of samples taken, and the post-fire inventory.
Pierce said that among the items collected by their arson investigator at the scene were a candle, white plastic cap, and remains of the fire debris, which are all in Malaysia in custody of the investigator.
Pierce said the spent debris had since been discarded as any traces of ignitable liquid residues had been extracted by means of activated carbon.
The lawyer also disclosed that there is a container with petroleum residue believed to be in the custody of Fire investigator Lt. Kevin Aldan.
The fire broke out at the BL Clothing Store on Oct. 30, 2010.
In March 2011, the fire policy insurer, FirstNet sued Zhen Rui Brother Corp., for allegedly deliberately setting off the fire so that the owner could claim $404,718.53 in insurance proceeds.
Zhen Rui Brother Corp later filed a counterclaim against FirstNet, alleging breach of contract, breach of implied covenant of good faith and fair dealing, insurance bad faith, and unfair or deceptive business practices.
