APD: Suspect arrested for starting apartment fire

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Albuquerque police arrested a man who allegedly admitted to starting a fire that displaced 32 people at an apartment Monday morning.

APD arrested 36-year-old Miguel Angel Mora Rosales for the fire. He faces charges of arson, aggravated battery, criminal damage over $1,000 and breaking and entering.

Around 9:26 a.m. Monday, Albuquerque Fire Rescue responded to the Mont44 Apartments near Montgomery and Jefferson. They arrived and found a three-story apartment building had heavy smoke showing from the roof.

Crews also found an “irate individual” who was trying to attack them and get onto their equipment.

Additional AFR and APD units arrived to bring the fire under control within 12 minutes. They also detained a suspect, later identified as Rosales.

While no first responders were injured, they did treat three people for injuries, including one person whom paramedics took to the hospital.

According to AFR, 14 apartment units with around 32 residents will be displaced.

AFR is continuing to investigate.