Pubdate: Sun, 26 May 2002 Source: Ukiah Daily Journal, The (CA) Copyright: 2002, MediaNews Group, Inc Contact: http://www.ukiahdailyjournal.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/581 Author: Mark Hedges CANNABIS CLUB BURNS Other North State Businesses Damaged An arson fire burned the Ukiah Cannabis Club Saturday morning, causing extensive damage and blackening neighboring structures as well. A man who told The Daily Journal he was upset with the Ukiah Cannabis Club, claiming club members owed him money for the crop of marijuana he grew for them, was arrested at the scene. The flames spread into the attic of the Forest Club, and the China Chef and North State Cafe also sustained smoke damage. It was around 9 a.m. when Ukiah Police officers responded to a silent burglary alarm at the pharmacy of Millie Lehrman at 247 N. State St. While it maintained a very low profile, the pharmacy is generally known as the contact site for the Ukiah Cannabis Club. The first officer on the scene saw the front door had been forced open, but was barricaded shut again with a TV set, and there was smoke coming from the interior. The officer called for the Ukiah Fire Department to respond. The officer and store manager entered the business and began extinguishing a small fire, when they heard a male voice in the back of the store. They called for the individual to come out from the back, but he refused, so the officer and manager waited at the door for additional officers and firefighters to arrive. The man in the back of the store, later identified as William Howard Ryan, 51, of Willits, telephoned UPD dispatch, saying he was armed and that he would shoot anyone coming to get him. Officers and firefighters heard muffled shots from the interior of the store. The building was surrounded by Ukiah Police officers, Mendocino County sheriff's deputies and California Highway Patrol officers. Ryan ultimately attempted to flee out the rear of the store, where he was taken into custody. Firefighters from the Ukiah Fire Department, Ukiah Valley Fire District, and California Department of Forestry then extinguished the flames inside the building and prevented the destruction of surrounding buildings. Ukiah Police detectives and Ukiah Fire Department personnel investigated the area, which had extensive fire damage. Additional assistance was provided by CHP aviators, CDF law enforcement, and California Department of Fish & Game officers. Two off-duty UPD officers also responded to handle incoming calls for service while the on-duty officers were working this crime scene. A spokesman for the fire units that battled the blaze said the Cannabis Club was "wiped out." Ryan was arrested on charges of arson, burglary and possession of hashish. He was interviewed by The Daily Journal just days ago when he claimed he was going to sue the Ukiah Cannabis Club for the money he says he is owed. Some witnesses said they saw Ryan enter the building with what looked like grenades strapped to his body. There were also reports the suspect carried a weapon, though that was not corroborated by police. A spokesperson for the Forest Club said the bar would be closed for a short time only. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth