A man matching the description of an individual seen near a fire reported in the Tamuning area was not charged in connection with the fire but instead was charged with allegedly resisting arrest, according to a complaint filed in the Superior Court of Guam.
The Guam Fire Department responded to a total of three fires set behind the Cost-U-Less building in Tamuning on Nov. 4. According to the complaint, when firefighters were en route to the third call, a man wearing a black hat, black long-sleeved shirt and black pants was seen "walking away from the area of the fire."
"Several witnesses also observed a male individual wearing a black shirt, black pants and black hat near the area of the fire. When one of the witnesses observed the male individual, he said, 'Oh shoot,' and ran to the stairs towards Pieology," the complaint states.
The complaint states that responding Guam Police Department officers observed "burnt objects and property" in the center of the ground near the Cost-U-Less loading dock, including a "small couch, a chair, metallic rims and a rubber tire."
Police also observed a man matching the description provided by witnesses standing next to the railing outside Pieology. The man was identified as Iurii Chugai, 20.
"Officers instructed Chugai to place his hands on the railing, to which he replied, 'No.' Officers instructed Chugai a second time, but he replied, 'No, I don't want to.' Chugai then placed his hands on his left and right pocket. Officers observed in plain view a pocketknife clipped to his right pocket and a metallic screwdriver protruding out from his left pocket," the complaint states.
According to the complaint, officers struck Chugai with an "open palm" on his right cheek, describing it as a "distractionary strike" used to prevent him from reaching into his pockets.
"Officers assisted Chugai to the ground but he continued to resist. Chugai refused to listen to the officers' instruction and attempted to hide his hand underneath his body," the complaint states.
After securing Chugai in hand restraints, officers conducted a pat-down search.
"Officers found a pocketknife, screwdriver, commercial electric multi-bit screw and nut driver, and a pocket flashlight," the complaint states.
Officers also discovered a clear Ziploc bag containing a metallic object wrapped in foil in the sole of Chugai's shoe. The complaint alleges that when asked about the item, Chugai said it was a "shank" to "defend himself when he gets arrested."
The complaint does not mention the discovery of any items related to setting a fire.
Chugai was arrested on a misdemeanor charge of resisting arrest. According to court documents, he has a pending case involving misdemeanor reckless conduct, eluding police and driving with an open container.
In the new case, Chugai was committed on $2,000 cash bail.