Chandler police are on the lookout for a 61-year-old man, Oscar Sanchez, who is accused of committing arson against a home with five individuals inside. As reported by FOX 10 Phoenix, the incident occurred on May 4 near Country Club Drive and Guadalupe Road, resulting in one person suffering from smoke inhalation. Notably, Sanchez has active orders of protection against him from three of the five occupants.
While everyone made it out of the house, the assault on the Chandler home has left behind a scene of devastation—Josh Steele, a resident, reported losing his childhood dream home along with its contents, which included a treasured book collection, as described in an interview with AZ Family. Sanchez, who Steele says is not a stranger but rather a long-term family acquaintance, was allegedly seen by Steele's ex-wife outside the home shortly before the fire ensued.
The suspect's prevailing history with the family was shadowed by attempts by Steele to aid him, following a dying wish from Steele's father-in-law to support the now-accused arsonist. "I was really trying to be really good to him, but he did have some mental health issues that were beyond my understanding," Steele told AZ Family. The relationship deteriorated over accusations of past vandalism against Steele's business and another fire set to a container on Steele's property, for which Sanchez was convicted.
The search for Sanchez continues and city officials urge the public to help if they have any information pertaining to his whereabouts. Anyone able to provide details can contact the Chandler Police Department at 480-782-4130 or reach Silent Witness anonymously at 480-WITNESS (480-948-6377), as noted by FOX 10 Phoenix.
