BPD: Smoker ignited debris leading to Equinox fire

Friday, June 2, 2023 - 18:00

BETHLEHEM — Tuesday’s fire that destroyed two Equinox apartment buildings was started with a Delmar man smoking a joint in the nearby courtyard, according to a Friday release from Bethlehem Police.

Juan W. Miranda, 35, was arrested on June 2 for making a false written statement, a misdemeanor. He is charged with giving false information to detectives during their initial investigation.

“The investigation into the fire revealed that Miranda was smoking a marijuana cigarette in the courtyard near buildings #9 and #11 Equinox Ct, which resulted in the ignition of dried lawn debris,” said the release. “Due to the dry conditions the fire spread rapidly causing both buildings to become fully involved.”

 Although no one was injured, eight families were displaced by the fire — 12 adults and five children, ranging in age from 3 to 17.

Miranda was processed on the misdemeanor charge and released on an appearance ticket to return to Bethlehem Town Court on June 20 at 4 p.m.

— Melissa Hale-Spencer

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