Police in Eloy say quick-thinking staffers and officers stopped a frightening scene from turning into something far worse, after a man allegedly tried to ignite gasoline inside a Pinal County nonprofit office on Jan. 9. The Community Action Human Resources Agency building was evacuated, and while nerves were rattled, authorities reported no injuries.
What Happened at CAHRA
According to AZFamily, officers were called after a report that a man had walked into the Eloy office and poured gasoline across the front counter. Staff and police say he tried to light the fuel, but the flames never caught and the situation was brought under control before a serious fire could start.
CAHRA's Role and Local Services
The Community Action Human Resources Agency serves as Pinal County's designated community action program, offering housing assistance, nutrition support and emergency services, according to CAHRA. With clients in the building at the time, staff moved fast to clear people out and keep the office secure while first responders took over.
Arrest and Official Reaction
Officers soon located a suspect nearby and took him into custody. Police identified him as 46-year-old Jeffrey Moreno, who was booked into the Pinal County jail on attempted arson charges. Investigators also connected him to a separate shoplifting case.
Official Statement and Next Steps
"We want to take a moment to recognize the CAHRA staff and our responding officers," the Eloy Police Department said in a statement. "Their fast response and teamwork helped prevent what could have been a very dangerous outcome," the department added, as reported by AZFamily.
Booking and the Legal Process
Booking into the county jail is only the first step. Formal charges still have to be filed before the case moves through Pinal County's court system. The county's adult detention information notes that bookings and inmate processing are run by the Pinal County Adult Detention Division, which oversees people in custody while their cases are pending, according to Pinal County.
