Palm Springs Police have released the mugshot of the man who allegedly tried to torch the Twin Palms Bistro in Palm Springs on Thursday night and, judging by the mugshot he seems to be enjoying himself.
Police arrested Rip Goforth at the scene at approximately 9pm after investigators determined that he stole approximately $2,000 from the business and then tried to set it on fire. They charged him with burglary, attempted murder, and arson.
The full statement from Palm Springs Police:
On Thursday, February 26, 2015 at approximately 6:55 PM, Palm Springs Police officers responded to the Twin Palms Bistro restaurant at 1201 East Palm Canyon Drive Drive on a report of a structure fire. Officers and restaurant employees evacuated customers from the restaurant. The Palm Springs Fire Department arrived on the scene and extinguished the fire.
A joint investigation was conducted by the Palm Springs Police Department and the Palm Springs Fire Department. Investigators determined that the suspect stole approximately $2000.00 from the business and then intentionally set fire to the structure.
At about 9:00 PM, investigators from the Palm Springs Police Department and Palm Springs Fire Department arrested a restaurant employee (Rip Goforth) at the scene and transported him to the Larry Smith Correctional Facility.
