Bar 5015 fire: FBI searching for suspect charged in arson case; $3,000 reward for fugitive

HOUSTON – A suspect charged in the 2020 Bar 5015 explosion, who was previously unidentified, has now been named as he is wanted by the FBI.

A three-count indictment, filed April 8 in the Southern District of Texas, alleges that former co-owner of the Turkey Leg Hut, Lyndell “Lynn” Price, and others conspired to set fire to Bar 5015 in June 2020.

Miziah Brice Shepherd, Armani Williams, 27, and John Lee Price, 39, have been named in connection with the 2020 bar explosion.

Shepherd’s identity was released after FBI agents began searching for him.

TIMELINE: The legal saga and controversies of Turkey Leg Hut in Houston

A $3,000 reward is being offered for information leading to Shepherd’s arrest. Anyone with tips on his location is asked to call 713-693-5000.

READ: Former owner of Turkey Leg Hut held pending trial due to ‘overwhelming evidence’

What happened

In early June 12, 2020, Lynn Price had allegedly recruited a group which included Williams, John Price, Shepherd and another.

READ: Former owner of Turkey Leg Hut arrested after federal grand jury indictment for 2020 bar explosion

The charges allege Williams, John Price and others were involved in pouring gasoline at the entrance ramp before igniting a fire at Bar 5015 on June 12, 2020. Lynn Price and his co-conspirator agreed to provide payment to the crew tasked with starting the fire, according to the indictment.

READ: Turkey Leg Hut closes after Houston Health Dept. finds several violations

Early that morning, William and an unnamed co-conspirator purchased gasoline, gas cans, and face coverings at a truck stop in Houston.

Williams then drove to and parked near the bar in a black Ford Fusion, according to the indictment. They entered the deck area and poured gasoline across the deck and down the entrance ramp.

Then, at 4:44 a.m., Williams and the unnamed co-conspirator lit a piece of paper and ignited the trail of gasoline. By 4:47 a.m., Lynn Price received a phone call to let him know the arson was complete.

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Lynn Price and the others are charged with conspiracy to commit arson and arson and face up to 20 years in federal prison as well as a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

RELATED: Nearby business feels aftershocks of explosion at bar in Houston’s Museum District Friday morning

Lynn Price and John Price are also charged with conspiracy to use an interstate facility to commit arson of a vehicle and could receive another five years as possible punishment, upon conviction.

What happened in Bar 5015 explosion

The Houston Fire Department responded to the explosion on June 12, 2020, around 4:48 a.m. at Bar 5015 at 5015 Almeda Road near the Museum District.

When firefighters arrived, they saw a debris field and several small fires. Those blazes were extinguished within five minutes, firefighters said.

Splintered wood and other debris were scattered down the street and up the block from the bar. Police said a food truck near the area was also destroyed.

Some buildings and homes near the scene sustained damage as well.

RELATED: Homes near the Museum District damaged by Bar 5015 building explosion

On June 18, 2020, surveillance video was released the public showing four men walking into Bar 5015 with five-gallon containers of ignitable fluid and poured the fluid throughout the property.

READ: Video shows 4 men dousing Houston bar with fluid before massive explosion that caused $750K in damage

One of the men caused the explosion after pushing a trailer on fire down a ramp where fumes had accumulated, causing the deck to explode.