Police Arrest Handyman For Starting Miami Beach Hotel Fire

Miami Beach Hotel Worker Arrested for First-Degree Arson After Fire Forces Evacuation

MIAMI BEACH, FL – A Miami Beach hotel employee has been arrested and charged with first-degree arson following a fire that broke out on the seventh floor of the RIU Florida Beach Hotel, authorities said.

Firefighters and police responded to the 3100 block of Collins Avenue on Tuesday after receiving reports of an active fire. Crews quickly extinguished the flames, and no injuries were reported. However, the fire caused significant damage to flooring, walls, and multiple rooms, prompting a full evacuation of the beachfront hotel, officials confirmed.

Investigators identified Orlando Castillo-Chiong, 34, as a suspect, noting that he had been assigned to work on the seventh floor at the time of the fire. Surveillance footage allegedly captured Castillo-Chiong igniting bedsheets twice before walking toward the area that sustained the most damage, according to police.

The hotel’s manager and Castillo-Chiong’s supervisor reviewed the footage and confirmed his identity, telling investigators that he was not authorized to work with fire in any capacity.

Authorities detained Castillo-Chiong for questioning, but he invoked his right to legal counsel. Police said his clothing, which allegedly bore evidence of the arson, was collected before he was taken into custody and transported to jail.

The investigation into the incident remains ongoing.

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