Homeless Man Torches Himself and Business, Charged with Arson

Albuquerque –

On December 15, 2025, at approximately 11:00 AM, an officer from the Albuquerque Police Department was responding to a call near Summer St and 3rd St NW when the officer was flagged down by an individual who reported that a male suspect had started a fire in the area of 1300 block of 3rd Street NW.

Officers responded to the location and observed a male, later identified as 33-year-old Trevarius Money, sitting beside an active fire. An officer moved Money away from the active fire while another officer attempted to used a fire extinguisher to put out the blaze.

Money told officers he had lit a candle and used cardboard to start a fire in order to keep warm, but said the fire became uncontrolled when the cardboard ignited. He reported that he was not injured, though his clothing was burned. Officers did not observe visible injuries, and Money was examined by Albuquerque Fire Rescue upon arrival.

After the fire was extinguished, officers observed damage to the southwest side of the building. The property owner told police he has owned the building for approximately four years and has experienced ongoing issues with individuals starting fires on or near his property. The property owner stated the building was occupied by workers who were in the process of making repairs. The complaint does not elaborate on if the repairs were from past fire damage or current fire damage. He estimated the damage at more than $500 but less than $1,000.

The property owner declined to press charges and requested that Money be criminally trespassed from the property. A Crime Scene Specialist did respond to the business and conduct an investigation and document the damage. Money was issued a criminal trespass notices.

Money has a prior criminal history in New Mexico for various things such as Shoplifting, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (PA), Resisting, Evading or Obstructing an Officer, Criminal Trespass, Battery, and Tampering with Evidence (Highest Crime a Third, Fourth or Indeterminate Degree Felony).