Cancun, Q.R. — State authorities say extortion has been ruled out in a fire investigation being treated as suspicious. State Attorney General head Raciel López Salazar said Monday that the weekend fire was likely the result of a bill dispute.
“Apparently it was because some individuals did not agree with the consumption bill presented to them,” Raciel López Salazar said at a press conference Monday.
He clarified that their investigation has ruled out extortion. “The fire at a restaurant in Cancun was not related to the collection of “derecho de piso” (floor rights),” he said.
“It’s completely ruled out that this was a floor charge. We’re still investigating. Apparently, it was caused by some individuals who disagreed with the bill they were presented with,” he said.
The wood and palapa restaurant in SM 249 was set on fire Sunday morning shortly after closing. According to an official statement by Salazar, “the establishment, located in Supermanzana 249, was set on fire early Sunday morning by individuals who arrived at the scene and set it on fire, quickly spreading the flames, causing significant material damage.
“We have already identified them (the perpetrators) and we will soon arrest them, but it is completely ruled out that this was a case of “protection” or extortion.”
Early Sunday morning, Cancun restaurant La Palapita was found fully engulfed in flames shortly after closing for the night. The wood and palapa restaurant was completely consumed in the fire. Neighbors reported seeing two males they accused of setting the blaze. The fire was treated as suspicious. Salazar did not provide details regarding their suspects.
