Orange County authorities searching for arson suspect caught on surveillance video
Authorities are asking for the public's help in identifying a suspected arsonist who was captured on surveillance video pouring liquid inside a Santa Ana business this week, moments before firefighters responded to a significant structure fire there.
The video shows the man entering the auto parts store in the 1000 block of East 6th Street about 3:30 a.m. Monday, holding a gun in one hand. He then picks up a tin container and pours liquid onto two desks in the building, according to the Orange County Fire Authority.
Firefighters believe the liquid was some kind of accelerant that could have been used "to start and spread a fire," according to a tweet by the Fire Authority.
FF’s knocked down a commercial structure fire at an auto parts store in the 1000 blk of E. 6th St. in @CityofSantaAna in just 5 minutes. The 911 call at 3:32 a.m. reported flames through the roof of the building. No injuries. Investigators on scene. pic.twitter.com/4No8PZ8yNI
— OCFA PIO (@OCFireAuthority) March 20, 2023
About a minute later, firefighters received a 911 call about flames shooting through the building's roof, according to a separate tweet from the Fire Authority. Firefighters controlled the blaze within about 12 minutes, but the building was noticeably damaged, said Fire Authority Capt. Thanh Nguyen.
Nguyen did not immediately have a full assessment of the damage and said it wasn't yet clear if there was a motive for the alleged arson.
No one was injured.
Officials are asking anyone with information about the suspect to call Fire Authority Investigations at (949) 560-0665.
This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
