Florida security officer stops massive arson plot
Miami Beach FL Sept 13 2018
Police say that an alert Miami Beach condo security officer probably saved lives and property when he smelled a strong odor of gas and called 911.
Police say that 72-year-old Walter Stopler was arrested and charged with attempted murder planning to burn down his building in July when the security officer notified police.
The suspect in the Florida arson case was seen wheeling a cart full of gas containers through his Miami Beach condo complex.
Investigators say they found 28 containers of gas and stacks of explosive chemicals in his apartment.
Police say Stopler poured eight gallons of gas down the buildings trash chute and that’s when the security officer called police.
Arriving police and fire units soon discovered the source of the gas smell.
As for a motive, witnesses say Stopler often spoke harshly about his Jewish neighbors and had Nazi paraphernalia in his unit.
Along with arson and attempted murder, Stopler is also charged with hate crimes.
