Posted at 5:12 p.m., Thursday, November 2, 2006
Arson case closed in Oct. 5 Liliha fire
Advertiser Staff
Police today closed an arson investigation into the Oct. 5 Liliha fire that destroyed one house and damaged five other structures and two vehicles after questioning the prime suspect in the case.Stephen Alcosiba, 32, whom police had been looking for since a CrimeStoppers release Oct. 18, surrendered Tuesday to sheriff's deputies. Police questioned Alcosiba about the Liliha fire that started at his former girlfriend's residence and released him without charges him today.
Detective Gary Lahens said Alcosiba admitted to smoking a cigarette and "flicking it" toward a garage at 1908-A Liliha St. but was not aware it had started a fire until later. "He's been cleared and case is closed," Lahens said.
The fire caused $195,000 damage to one house and $121,000 damage to the other structures and vehicles.
Alcosiba was released from police custody but is being held at O'ahu Community Correctional Center on an outstanding $13,000 warrant.
