Reno man arrested for fire bombing

A Reno man has been arrested in connection with a November fire bombing of a Carson City law office.

Ricci Capirci, 54, is being held on $50,000 bail. He is charged with felony arson in the Nov. 9, 2001 fire that damaged the roof of the law office of Crowell, Susich, Owen and Tackes in the 500 block of Fourth Street.

Capirci allegedly filled a plastic container with a flammable powder, ignited it and tossed it onto the roof of the office.

Someone walking past the building at 5 a.m. saw the flames, which firefighters quickly knocked down. The fire caused an estimated $5,000 in damage.

Carson City investigators learned of Capirci's involvement because of threats he was allegedly making in Reno.

Scott Burau, chief deputy of the Carson City Sheriff's Department, said Capirci threatened several people and organizations both verbally and by e-mail. It was in an e-mail threat Capirci allegedly admitted his part in the Carson arson.

"He spoke of this thwarted fire bombing he attempted here at the law office and threatened he could do it again," Burau said.

Police believe Capirci was upset over his involvement in a litigation between himself and a tow company represented by the law firm.

"He has no real criminal history to speak off, nothing of this magnitude whatsoever, no fixed address and no particular work," Burau said.

Capirci was transferred to Carson City on Sunday. He was being held in the Washoe County Jail for carrying a concealed weapon.

Burau said Capirci had been accused of walking into Washoe Medical Center late last year and announcing he had a gun.