Date: August 10, 2023
Last Updated: August 10, 2023
A homeless man is facing charges after authorities investigated a restroom fire at the Paris Las Vegas on Monday.
The suspect, Kenny Terry, was arrested on charges of arson and making false statements to the police.
Terry was released from jail after appearing in court on Tuesday.
A judge has prohibited him from returning to the Paris Las Vegas, and he could face imprisonment if he violates this order. His next court appearance is scheduled for August 15.
According to the police, Terry left the restroom just before three explosions occurred. An unnamed construction worker in the vicinity heard the sounds of the explosions and observed flames in one of the restroom stalls.
The construction worker attempted to extinguish the flames using nearby fire extinguishers. Firefighters arrived at the scene and successfully controlled the blaze.
During their investigation, firefighters discovered “a pile of clothes and debris” when they made a hole in the restroom wall, as stated by Clark County Deputy Fire Chief Warren Whitney.
The construction worker reported the incident to the police.
Reviewing surveillance footage, local police identified Terry as a suspect, as reported by Las Vegas TV station KTNV.
Terry’s Actions on the Strip
Police allege that after the explosions, Terry was seen pushing a stroller on a Las Vegas street with a gray backpack inside.
He allegedly disposed of the backpack in a trash can near the Horseshoe Las Vegas Casino, while abandoning the stroller nearby.
Terry also changed his jacket to a black hoodie before proceeding to the Casino Royale Hotel & Casino parking garage.
According to police, he subsequently visited several casinos on the Las Vegas Strip, including the Venetian, Treasure Island, and The Mirage. His last sighting was on a bridge connecting the Cromwell Hotel to the Grand Bazaar Shops.
Later that Monday night, Paris Las Vegas security guards spotted him near the CVS pharmacy in front of the property’s gaming area.
The guards began to tail Terry, and LVMPD officers eventually apprehended him when he attempted to flee towards the Bellagio.
During questioning, Terry initially claimed that he frequently visits the Strip and could not recall if he had been in the restroom at the Paris Las Vegas. However, when questioned about the stroller and backpack, Terry admitted to stealing the stroller, according to KTNV. He also stated that the backpack had a foul odor and he disposed of it.
Subsequently, Terry informed Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD) officers that he “would never start a fire and that he didn’t even have a lighter,” as reported by KTNV.
Discovery of Accelerant
However, a specially trained dog later detected a possible accelerant on or near the empty backpack.
The police confirmed that the dog was trained to detect over 400 different accelerants. Further tests will be conducted on the backpack.
Initial estimates to repair the damage at the Paris Las Vegas amounted to $50,000. Some occupants of the property experienced smoke inhalation but did not require medical attention, according to authorities.