"The deceased person found after the fire was extinguished at USA Pawn, 2010 Randleman Road, has been identified as Richard Pera Mao, 25, of 103 3rd Street, Randleman, NC.
Preliminary findings from the Medical Examiner indicate that Mao’s cause of death was consistent with exposure to a building fire.
Mao, an employee of USA Pawn, was preparing to open the business when the fire occurred.
Firefighters responded to USA Pawn at approximately 8:44 am yesterday after several people called 911 to report that smoke and flames were visible from the structure.
Firefighters attempted to enter the business, but had to retreat due to heavy smoke, flames, and concerns about the building’s structural integrity. Mao’s body was found around 12:30 pm while firefighters conducted a search of the interior of the building after the flames were extinguished.
Police have not yet concluded if the manner of death is accidental or a homicide. This determination will be made after the cause and origin of the fire have been established. Mao’s death could be ruled a homicide if the cause of the fire is arson.
Currently, the cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Greensboro Police Department, Greensboro Fire Department, and the State Bureau of Investigation. Because the fire remains under investigation, the area is being treated as a crime scene.
Anyone with information is encouraged to call Crime Stoppers at 336-373-1000. Calls to Crime Stoppers are completely anonymous. Tips to Crime Stoppers can also be texted to 274637 using the keyword badboyz. Information provided to Crime Stoppers could result in a reward up to $2,000."
Submitted by the Greensboro Police Department
No comments:
Post a Comment