A 35-year-old man was arrested on two counts of arson after two fires burned near eastbound SR-94 and Massachusetts Avenue in Lemon Grove on Monday. Deputies say the man tried to disguise his appearance and was found hiding under a truck. Sheriff’s deputies and fire crews responded.
Deputies and Heartland Fire and Rescue personnel responded to a fire near the freeway and Massachusetts Avenue at about 12:28 p.m. Monday, according to the San Diego County Sheriff's Office, as reported by FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News. The Sheriff's Office said witnesses provided video showing a man believed to have started the fires; other witnesses reported seeing someone matching his description run from a second nearby fire.
Investigators say the suspect wore a ski mask and discarded clothing in an apparent attempt to change his appearance. Deputies found a 35-year-old man hiding under a truck and arrested him on two arson counts based on alleged video evidence, witness statements and the totality of the circumstances, the outlet reported.
Investigators Report Two Large Fires
The Sheriff's Office said the first fire measured approximately 30 yards long and 75 yards wide; the second burned across roughly 150 yards long and 10 yards wide. The SDSO Bomb/Arson Unit was notified and is assisting with the investigation, according to the station.
During the arrest, deputies reportedly found a glass pipe and a Bic lighter in the suspect's jacket pocket. After being brought to the Lemon Grove Sheriff's substation, the suspect allegedly attempted to kick a deputy multiple times, though no injury to the deputy from the alleged kicking was reported.
Suspect Faces Several Additional Charges
Beyond the two arson counts, the suspect was also charged with resisting an executive officer, possession of drug paraphernalia, and disguising his appearance to evade law enforcement, according to the report. No further case details, including the suspect's identity or the cause of the fires, have been released.
Fire service and earlier SR-94 fires
Lemon Grove’s fire department is part of Heartland Fire & Rescue. The City of Lemon Grove says the cities of El Cajon, La Mesa and Lemon Grove agreed to co-manage fire and emergency medical services beginning January 1, 2010, according to the City of Lemon Grove. A separate incident was reported along eastbound SR-94 in Lemon Grove on May 9, 2020, when two brush fires broke out. FOX 5 San Diego reported that the cause was unknown and that no structural damage or injuries were reported.
The Sheriff's Office is asking anyone with information about the incident to come forward. Tipsters can contact the Sheriff's Office at 858-868-3200, or reach out anonymously to San Diego County Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477.
