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Gallup Sun

Thursday, Mar 28th

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You are here: News Public Safety Local man arrested for Arson, burglary

Local man arrested for Arson, burglary

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Michael Roper of Gallup didn’t take the news well when he was terminated from his job at the Red Lion Oct. 27.

According to Gallup Police Department Sgt. Rosanne Kavzlarich, Roper, 33, came back to the hotel about an hour after being laid off and boldly stole money from the company safe, absconding with an undisclosed amount of cash.

Next, he went upstairs and set one of the rooms on fire. On his way out, he reportedly told one of the workers to call the fire department.

According to the criminal complaint, filed in Magistrate Court Oct. 29, Roper is being charged with arson and it’s noted that the fire he set caused more than $2,500 worth of damages that doesn’t exceed $20,000.

He was also charged with “commercial burglary,” a fourth degree felony.

Roper had fled the scene in is car, but was apprehended two days
later.

He’s being held at McKinley County Adult Detention Center on a $10,000 cash only bond.