CAVE CREEK, Ariz. - More than four months since fire ravaged the Buffalo Chip Saloon and Steakhouse, sheriff's investigators have not announced an arrest. However, the owner of the historic venue, a former MCSO chief, says he is confident the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office has identified an arson suspect.
"What I'm comfortable saying at this time is that they've identified their suspect," said Larry Wendt, owner of the Buffalo Chip. "They've interviewed her on several occasions. The case is still being put together, considering extradition issues and evidence. We're hopeful for an arrest as soon as possible."
Wendt added that the suspect is not in Arizona. There is no on-the-record indication yet what the motive may have been for the alleged arson.
A representative of MCSO says he is not at liberty to discuss the ongoing investigation.
Wendt reopened the backyard patio area in January, which provides a limited menu, full bar service and bull-riding. Plans are underway to rebuild the 5,000-square-foot saloon to appear similar to the original.
"We want it to feel like the old Chip," Wendt said.
Wendt has been in contact with sheriff's officials regarding the investigation and is scheduled to meet with them later this week.
The Nov. 27 fire on Thanksgiving morning destroyed the original dance hall and restaurant, which had been standing for 67 years. The morning of the fire, Cave creek residents took dramatic video and photos of the fire and social media was flooded with messages about the popular hangout.
It's been a destination for Green Bay Packers football fans, motorcycle riders, cowboys and tourists for years.
The day of the fire, investigators said they suspected foul play. The fire appeared to have been ignited in a restroom of the saloon, a fire department spokesperson said.
Initially, Rural Metro firefighters believed they had extinguished the blaze and left the scene. But while MCSO investigators were surveying the structure, they reported seeing smoke from the attic area of the saloon. The building quickly went up in flames and was a total loss by the time firefighters returned.
During the aftermath of the fire, community members rallied around Wendt to help raise funds for 120 employees who were left without jobs for the holiday season. An outside charity collected donations and distributed the money directly to the employees.