Panama City Fla--Arson Fire Damages House

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P.C. authorities label Sunday fire as arson

By Valerie Nienberg News Herald Writer 747-5074 / [email protected]

PANAMA CITY Authorities are calling an early morning fire at a Panama City home arson.

Fire crews took about 15 minutes to put out a blaze at the onestory home of Paul P. Moore, 1312 Frankford Ave., around 1 a.m. Sunday.

Moore and his wife were out of town visiting relatives, the Panama City Fire Department reported. No one was injured.

The fire was contained in the bedroom areas and adjoining hallway, the fire department said, but smoke and heat damage extended throughout the home.

The fire department, State Fire Marshal’s Office and the Panama City Police Department are investigating.

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Suspected Arsonist Arrested

Neighbor charged with setting house fire

By Cara New News Herald Writer 747-5070 / [email protected]

PANAMA CITY While Paul P. Moore and his wife were out of town visiting relatives, a neighbor was charged with robbing their home and setting it on fire.

Fire crews spent 15 minutes putting out a fire at the Moores’ 1312 Frankford Ave. home around 1 a.m. Sunday. State Fire Marshal Investigator Jimmy Ruthven said the contents of three bedroom closets were set on fire. He estimated the damage at $20,000.

Belongings such as guns, jewelry and coins also were stolen from the Moores’ home, authorities said.

Ruthven said witnesses reported seeing Richard Edward Bugg, the Moores’ neighbor, with a gun on the night of the fire. Because Bugg was under house arrest, Ruthven said he was not allowed to possess a gun.

Panama City police arrested Bugg about 5 p.m. Sunday and charged him with burglary, grand theft and violation of probation.

The arson charge was added Monday.

Ruthven said there is "plenty of evidence" that Bugg robbed the home and set fire to it, but he could not disclose the evidence.

Bugg did not admit to burglary and arson when questioned, according to Ruthven.

Bugg is being held without bond in the Bay County Jail and had his first court appearance Monday.