Suspected attacker arrested
Atanas Markov, 26, charged with extortion and attempted murder
Police say they had arrested a man for attacks on a Winona Drive house just days before it was firebombed in late December.
The house once stood at 489 Winona Dr., but was torn down after it was gutted in a Boxing Day firebombing. It was the third attack on the home in a little more than three weeks.
Recently, police announced that Atanas Markov, 26, was arrested on Dec. 19 in connection with a shooting at the home on Dec. 3 and a firebombing of it three days later, on Dec. 6.
According to a police report, the issue stems from “a legitimate business venture” between Markov and the owner of the home, Bojidar Zahariev. A dispute arose, wherein Markov believed Zahariev owed him money.
Police say Markov then repeatedly threatened Zahariev and his family, attempting to extort money from him.
On the night of Dec. 3, police allege Markov, armed with a silver handgun, went to the home on Winona and fired two rounds into the front door, then fired three rounds into Zahariev’s car, which was parked in the driveway. They believe Markov then fled the scene, dropping the gun in the driveway of a house next door.
Zahariev was not home at the time, but his wife and two children were.
Police further allege that Markov returned to the home with two other men at 1:40 a.m., Dec. 6.
Police say Markov and the other two men then lit and threw four firebombs at the front of the home and fled the scene. Again, only Zahariev’s wife and two children were home, police say.
Markov now faces 20 charges, relating to attempted murder, arson, threatening death and extortion.
Police say Markov was also known to have six aliases — Michael Goldstein, Romanov Alexander, Basamir Gatsalov, Alexander Stoianov, Alexander Koln and Petros Stanopol.
Police could not be reached for comment, but it is believed no one has been arrested for the Dec. 26 firebombing.
That incident caused so much damage, the home had to be demolished.
About this article:
