TOMBSTONE, Ariz. — The Tombstone Marshal’s Office arrested a Benson man in connection with an arson investigation at the Trump Store on North Highway 80.
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Donald William Rudy, 58, was taken into custody following an investigation into a fire at the store, located at 1474 N. Highway 80, on May 4. Investigators reviewed multiple surveillance videos showing a suspect arriving at the scene in a white Ford Raptor pickup truck, exiting the vehicle, removing materials from the truck bed and igniting a fire near brush and vegetation. Windy conditions at the time raised concerns the fire could spread and endanger nearby property and surrounding areas.
A witness at the scene confronted the suspect and provided investigators with a statement. The witness also participated in a photo lineup and positively identified the suspect.
An arrest warrant was issued for Rudy on May 11 after he failed to appear in court in an unrelated case. The Tombstone Marshal’s Office enlisted the assistance of the Cochise County Regional SWAT team to execute a search warrant and take the suspect into custody.
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The case will be forwarded to the Cochise County Attorney’s Office for review and formal charging considerations. The Tombstone Marshal’s Office thanked community members, cooperating witnesses and the Cochise County Regional SWAT team who assisted throughout the investigation.
Anyone with additional information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the Tombstone Marshal’s Office.
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