Las Cruces Fire Dept. seeks help in possible arson case

Investigators are still searching for who’s responsible in a possible arson case.

The fire happened three weeks ago on the 800 block of Luna Street in east central Las Cruces.

Investigators say Elia Luchuga had apparently just left the house and then only 10 minutes later, her shed in the backyard went up in flames.

The fire took over her shed, then her van and even a portion of her house. Investigators estimate about $35,000 to $40,000 worth of damages. They say they still don’t know who started the fire but say they are investigating multiple leads. They believe the fire was an isolated incident. But neighbors in the area ABC-7 spoke with are still shaken.

“We did rule out accidental and talking to the homeowner she hadn’t been in that area for the last couple of days so where the fire occurred there shouldn’t have been a fire in that area,” Las Cruces fire investigator Wally Monsivaiz said.

“That’s scary. I never thought that would happen in my neighborhood,” neighbor Angie Flores said. “I don’t know how they got in there with those dogs you know what I mean, because she’s well protected and the poor lady had just left five ten minutes and then we saw the house go boom!”

Monsiviaz says if you see anything suspicious or have any information to call the Las Cruces Fire Department at 575-528-3473.