Virginia Beach fire investigators have issued two felony warrants against 22 year old Dustin Lee Hess of Virginia Beach.  Hess has been charged with arson for burning or destroying a dwelling. Hess has not cooperated with fire investigators and remains at large. Hess’ last known address is 4700 Block Lone Willow Drive in the Aragona section of Virginia Beach. He is known to frequent the Oceanview section of Norfolk, Va.

Fire investigators are looking for information on the whereabouts of Hess. Contact Virginia Beach Crime Solvers at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP (1-888-562-5887) or fire investigator Kevin Newton at (757) 385-1086. Callers remain anonymous and could be eligible for up to a $1,000 reward if their information leads to an arrest. Authorities do not believe Hess is armed; however, as with all fugitives, individuals should not confront the suspect and are encouraged to call the local police department.

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                  Fire Investigators Make Arrest in AAAA Self Storage Unit Fire

On Monday, Oct. 26, 2009 at 11:30 a.m. Virginia Beach fire investigators charged 22 year old Joshua Hutchins of Horace Ave. in Virginia Beach with arson for burning or destroying a dwelling. Hutchins is currently being held in the Virginia Beach Correctional Facility and has been denied bond. 

Virginia Beach fire investigators followed several leads and analyzed video footage from the business’ security camera that revealed images of the arson in progress. The video aided with the capture of Hutchins. The investigation remains open and additional arrests may be pending. Arson is a felony in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

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                 Suspicious Two Alarm Fire Damages Seven Self Storage Units

The Virginia Beach Fire Department responded to a commercial fire at the AAAA Self Storage, 4656 Honeygrove Road. Virginia Beach Fire Engine 2 arrived within five minutes of being dispatched. Upon arrival, fire crews experienced a large amount of smoke coming from several storage units.  As firefighters forced entry into the storage units, they encountered five storage units burning and the fire was rapidly spreading.  The Battalion Chief requested a second alarm at 5:06 a.m. due to the volume of free burning fire. The fire was brought under control in 45 minutes at 5:40 a.m. Four storage units experienced heavy fire damage, all contents were lost, and three additional storage units experienced moderate fire damage. Some contents may be salvageable. 

Virginia Beach fire investigators have determined that the cause of this fire is suspicious in nature. They ask that anyone passing by who may have witnessed this fire prior to the arrival of the Fire Department contact fire investigator Newton at (757) 385-4228 or Crime Line at 1-888-LOCK-U-UP (1-888-562-5887). Callers do not need to give their name and could be eligible for a $1,000 cash reward if their information leads to an arrest.

Citizens who have concerns about the safety of their contents at this facility can call AAAA Self Storage at (757) 460-3595. No injuries were reported in this fire. The fire department responded with seven engines, three ladders, two heavy rescue squads, and three chief officers to combat this fire.  Virginia Beach received mutual aid from the Chesapeake Fire Department to backfill one empty fire station during this incident.

For more information, please contact Battalion Chief Tim Riley at (757) 385-1075 or e-mail at triley@vbgov.com. 

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A photo is attached under related documents.