Monte Vista Police Arrest Arson Suspect

Police in Monte Vista arrested Johnny Madrill, 31, Tuesday morning.

Madrill is suspected of setting a house on fire, according to interim police chief Jim Grayson.

The fire happened early Sunday morning at 712 Clay St.

Grayson said the fire was contained to the bedroom, but that the home suffered moderate smoke damage.

Investigators said the cause of the fire was arson.

“They found some evidence that was not consistent with a natural occurring house fire. There was absolutely nothing in there (the bedroom) that would have started a fire,” said Grayson.

The residents, who were not home at the time of the fire, told police they knew who set the fire.

Police tracked down Madrill early Tuesday morning near the intersection of First Avenue and South Broadway.

“When we contacted him, he was very threatening toward officers. He was also challenging officers to shoot him, he said he was armed,” said Grayson.

An officer had to use a non-lethal bean bag round to knock Madrill down and arrest him.

He is facing second-degree arson, menacing, harassment, intimidating a victim and domestic violence, said Grayson.

Madrill has a prior conviction for arson. He is being held in jail without bond.

The home that burned is temporarily unlivable. The residents are staying with family.