Tag: arson

SANTA MONICA—On Wednesday, February 12, Lt. Lewis Gilmour of the Santa Monica Police Department informed Canyon News that a suspect responsible for a series of arsons was arrested.

On February 9, between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m., the Santa Monica Police and Fire Departments responded to a series of arson incidents across the city. Four separate fires were intentionally set at multiple locations, posing significant safety risks and damaging public property.

In a swift and coordinated response, authorities utilized aerial drone technology to assist in the investigation. Through this effort, authorities identified Marco Antonio Rubio, 36, as the primary suspect in connection with the fires. At the time of his arrest Rubio was in possession of a lighter and an aerosol can. The fires occurred at the following locations:

-1000 block of Colorado Ave: A discarded pillow and cardboard were set on fire.
-16th and Michigan Ave: A discarded mattress was set on fire.
-Memorial Park: Netting on a Little League batting cage was set on fire.
-1500 block of 18th St: A parked vehicle was set on fire.

Rubio has an arrest history in California for 148 PC (Resisting Arrest) and multiple prior arrests in Texas, including charges of resisting arrest, domestic violence, and assault related crimes. There are no previous arson-related offenses on his record.

“The swift and coordinated response by our Police and Fire Departments highlights our commitment to ensuring the safety of Santa Monica residents. Through teamwork and advanced technology, we quickly identified the suspect and prevented further harm,” said Police Chief Ramon Batista.

The SMPD reminds residents to report any suspicious behavior to authorities immediately and to remain vigilant in their neighborhoods.

Anyone with details related to this incident or these individuals is asked to contact Detective McCoy at james.mccoy@santamonica.gov, Sergeant Cooney at shaun.cooney@santamonica.gov or the Watch Commander 24 hours at 310-458-8427.

By Trevor

GRIFFITH PARK—On Monday, January 20, at 1:02 p.m., the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) and Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) responded to a call of a possible arson in the 2700 block of Glendower Avenue. Kevin Caledron was arrested on two misdemeanor charges. The suspect is reportedly being detained on a $30,000 bond after sparks from his vehicle ignited a brush fire.

At 1:33 p.m., LAFD reported that firefighters from LAFD West Bureau were able to contain the fire. LAFD reports indicate that the fire burned approximately a quarter acre on a grassy slope in a neighborhood near Griffith Park Observatory.

By Sharon

WESTWOOD—On September 25, the UCLA Police Department reported they were investigating an on campus aggravated assault and arson that unfolded near the 800 block of Westwood Plaza. The incident was reported at 3:37 a.m., where at approximately 3 a.m., the victim was sleeping in a sleeping bag near the fountain area south of Medical Plaza 300.

He awoke to the bottom of his sleeping bag on fire and observed a female subject whom he had previously argued with walking away from the area.

The suspect is described as Caucasian female standing 5 feet and 2 inches tall and weighing 150 pounds. She was wearing a black sweater and light blue leggings with blue sandals. The victim is not affiliated with the UCLA campus. Authorities indicated there were no reports of any injuries and no vehicles were spotted.

Anyone with information on the incident is asked to contact the UCLA PD at (310) 825-1491.

By Trevor

SANTA MONICA—On Tuesday, June 18, Lt. Erika Aklufi of the Santa Monica Police Department informed Canyon News that a suspect responsible for an arson in the area was arrested. The SMPD reported on Saturday, May 25, at about 11:30 p.m. patrol officers responded to a commercial burglary call in the 2900 block of Lincoln Boulevard.

The owner of the business received an alert from the alarm company that a single suspect entered the business by breaking through a skylight. Responding officers arrived while the suspect, later identified as Allen Francisco Contis, 49, was still inside and were able to take him into custody without incident. Contis, who is currently homeless, was issued a citation and released per the LA County Bail Schedule.

On Wednesday, May 29, patrol officers responded to radio calls of multiple arsons in the 1500 and 1600 blocks of Lincoln Boulevard and the alley east of Lincoln Boulevard. Multiple witnesses identified Contis as the individual responsible for setting fire to a discarded tire, a city-owned trash can, and a small garage located directly adjacent to a multi-unit apartment complex.

Responding officers located and arrested Contis without incident. He has been charged by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office with two counts of felony arson [451 (b) PC] and one misdemeanor count of giving false information to a police officer [148.9(a) PC].

When asked if the suspect was connected to any other arsons in the region, Lt. Aklufi informed Canyon News “We don’t know if he is connected with other arsons, though that may come out in the investigation.”

The burglary case will be presented to the District Attorney separately. Anyone with details related to this incident or Contis is asked to contact Detective Tavera at Hector.Tavera@santamonica.gov or the Watch Commander 24 hours at 310-458-8427.

By Trevor