ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Thursday, February 20, 1997 TAG: 9702200068
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: LAURENCE HAMMACK
A Roanoke man was convicted Wednesday of trying to torch a downtown bar after he got in an argument and was ordered to leave the establishment.
Larry I. Hicks, 22, pleaded guilty to a charge of attempted arson. He faces up to 10 years in prison when he is sentenced.
At a hearing in Roanoke Circuit Court, Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Ann Gardner summarized the evidence against Hicks:
About 12:30 a.m. Nov. 1, Hicks was at Corned Beef & Co. on Jefferson Street and got in an argument with another customer. After becoming verbally abusive, Hicks was told by the management to leave.
As he left the bar, Hicks stated, "I'll be back," Gardner said.
About 2 a.m., an employee was out taking the trash and noticed Hicks behind the restaurant, pouring gasoline on the back door, deck and walls. The employee also saw Hicks pour a trail of gasoline leading back to his parked car.
Hicks fled when confronted and was arrested by police after a short chase. Police found matches and a near-empty gasoline can in the front seat of his car.
At the time Hicks tried to set the fire, there were between 20 and 30 customers in Corned Beef.
Hicks, who did not testify Wednesday, was allowed to remain free on a $10,000 bond until a sentencing hearing, scheduled for May2.
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