Las Vegas Sun

March 28, 2024

Sandwich shop owner accused of starting fire that damaged his business

Downtown Fire

Las Vegas Fire and Rescue

Las Vegas Fire and Rescue crews battle a blaze at a building housing four businesses at the corner of Bonneville Avenue and Las Vegas Boulevard. Crews responded at 2:20 a.m. Wednesday. No one was injured, but the building sustained extensive damage.

Updated Thursday, March 17, 2011 | 11:20 a.m.

Click to enlarge photo

Hans Aareskjold

Las Vegas Fire and Rescue investigators arrested the owner of a sandwich shop Wednesday in connection with a February fire that damaged his business and others in a downtown building.

Hans E. Aareskjold, 43, owner of the Strip Sandwich Shop, 603 S. Las Vegas Blvd., was charged with one count of first-degree arson and booked into the Clark County Detention Center without bail.

Aareskjold had been informed prior to the fire that he was being evicted by the landlord, according to an arrest report. Authorities allege he was seen on surveillance video near the building several times immediately before the fire.

After a month of forensic investigation, investigators allege Aareskjold was responsible for the Feb. 9 fire that damaged four businesses on the corner of Bonneville Avenue and Las Vegas Boulevard: the Strip Sandwich Shop, Bingo Bail Bonds, Rescue Bail Bonds and Eichhorn & Hoo Attorneys at Law.

Officials said the roof of the 3,300-square-foot building caved in and caused extensive damage. Most interior contents were saved by firefighters, officials said.

District Court records show that Aareskjold has a criminal record in Clark County that includes two felony burglary charges. In both cases, he pleaded guilty and is scheduled to be sentenced later this year.

Aareskjold is being held without bond in the Clark County Detention Center.

Sun reporter Jackie Valley contributed to this report.

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