Arsonist Sets Cars On Fire

By Sergeant Roy A. Morales

UPDATE: Soquel Arson Suspect Arrested

The Sheriff’s Office is asking for the public’s help in solving the arson of six cars in Soquel.

On January 20, 2016 just after midnight, Central Fire was dispatched to a dumpster fire at a business complex in the 2900 block of Park Ave, Soquel where they found a car on fire. About an hour later, and less than a block away, Central Fire responded to another fire at an apartment complex on Subec Lane and located five additional cars completely engulfed.

A wooden carport containing four more cars had also been set on fire but quickly contained minimizing the damage.

The total damage is estimated at over one hundred thousand dollars. Deputies canvassed the area for additional cars and structures for damage and believe the two fires are connected. Sheriff’s Office detectives responded to both scenes and are currently investigating the arsons with local arson investigators. At this time the cause of the fires are unknown.

The Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with video footage of the area and information regarding the identity of the suspect(s) to call Sheriff’s Office dispatch at (831) 471-1121 or detectives at (831) 454-7600.