Remember Captain Benny’s on 290 burning down?
A MAN HAS BEEN ARRESTED AND CHARGED in connection with the fire that destroyed Captain Benny’s Seafood Restaurant in northwest Houston.
Christian Dumser, DOB 11/9/1983, is charged with Criminal Mischief greater than $300,000 and Reckless Arson of a Building in the 337th Court. Dumser was arrested Tuesday after a warrant was issued related to the fire.
On May 27, HFD responded to the Captain Benny’s Seafood Restaurant at 10896 Northwest Freeway which was engulfed in flames. Firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze through the early hours of the morning. The building is a total loss.
HFD Arson Bureau investigators believe Dumser visited the building that evening and carelessly discarded a lit cigarette that started a fire in the bushes nearby. While the fire is accidental in nature, surveillance video shows the man acknowledging the fire and leaving the scene, failing to extinguish it as it smoldered before spreading to the business. The businessowner estimates the damage to the property at least $1,500,000.
“Something as simple as a discarded cigarette is a real danger, and in this case, caused millions of dollars in damage to a Houston businessowner. HFD Arson will pursue justice for those impacted by careless actions like this, and ensure accountability for those who break the law,” said Chief Keith Kennedy, Deputy Chief Investigator for HFD Arson Bureau.
HFD Arson Case #: 250420
HPD Case #: 674373-25
