Police and fire briefs for March 19, 2009

• Advocate staff report
• Published: Mar 19, 2009 - Page: 4B

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Fire damage minor at two restaurants
An early morning fire Wednesday caused minor damage to Albasha Greek and Lebanese restaurant while smoke from that fire caused minor damage to Primo’s Steak and Italian restaurant, both on Bluebonnet Boulevard near Interstate 10.

St. George Fire Protection District firefighters were called to Albasha, 5454 Bluebonnet Blvd., at 2:23 a.m., said Eldon Ledoux, a Fire Protection District spokesman.

When they arrived, firefighters found smoldering debris in the food-preparation area of the restaurant, Ledoux said.

The fire had been extinguished by the restaurant’s sprinkler system.

Albasha received minor fire and smoke damage while Primo’s received minor smoke damage, Ledoux said.

Both restaurants were open for business Wednesday.

Investigators determined the cause of the blaze was an overloaded extension cord, Ledoux said.

Arson is not suspected.

Deputies book man on count of stalking
East Baton Rouge Parish sheriff’s deputies arrested a man for allegedly stalking a woman who worked at his health club.

Heath Derrick Darbone, 38, began harassing the woman in February, repeatedly showing up at Foxy’s Health Club, 4343 Rhoda Drive, an arrest affidavit said.

Darbone showed up at the club Feb. 10, after the woman told him over the phone to leave her alone, and gave her a Valentine’s Day card and a picture of himself, the affidavit said.

The management of the club told Darbone his membership would be canceled if he did not stop, the affidavit said.

His membership was canceled March 10, but he continued to harass the woman, calling her repeatedly and telling her he loved her.

Darbone continued to show up the club, despite being turned away, the affidavit said.