Who:
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Patrol Operations Bureau
Investigative Operations Bureau
-Arson & Auto Theft Unit
Walter William Manning (Resident/Injured)
DOB:8/17/1950
Address: 34107 US Hwy 19 North, Palm Harbor
What:
Detectives assigned to the Arson and Auto Theft Unit have responded to investigate a fire at a motel in Palm Harbor. A resident staying in the room was injured due to smoke inhalation.
When:
Deputies initially responded to the fire at about 3:12 p.m. on Thursday, September 11, 2014.
Where:
The fire occurred at the Kings Inn Motel located at 34107 US Hwy 19 North in Palm Harbor.
Why/How:
Detectives assigned to the Arson and Auto Theft Unit have responded to investigate a fire at the Kings Inn Motel located at 34107 US Hwy 19, room 210, in Palm Harbor.
According to investigators, the fire appears to have started near the door to the motel room where discarded cigarettes were found.
At the time of the fire, a resident living at the motel was in the room sleeping. The resident, identified as 64-year-old Walter William Manning was transported to a local hospital via Bayflite with life-threatening injuries due to smoke inhalation.
No one else was injured in the fire and no other rooms in the motel were damaged due to the fire.
According to detectives, the fire does not appear suspicious at this time.
The investigation continues.