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Ventura County Sheriff's Office
Wednesday November 13th, 2019 :: 02:30 p.m. PST

Community

Man arrested for Arson

Nature of Incident: Man arrested for Arson
Report Number: 19-177084
Location: Shell Gas Station, 1124 Maricopa Hwy, Ojai CA
Date & Time: 11/11/2019 2300
Unit(s) Responsible: Ojai Investigations, West County Patrol Services
(S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent

City of Residence

Age
Juan Carlos Arellano Atwater, CA 45
Narrative:
Man arrested for using gasoline to start a fire in the City of Ojai.
 
On the evening of 11/11/2019, Deputies from the Ojai Police Department responded to a local Gas Station regarding a suspicious fire.  Upon their arrival, they found a large display sign engulfed in flames.  After the fire was extinguished, deputies discovered a motorcycle leaning against the sign. 
 
During their investigation, deputies learned the registered owner was (A) Juan Carlos Arellano.  Deputies began searching the area, and they located Arellano at a local motel.  While patrol deputies were interviewing Arellano, he admitted to purposefully lighting a fire at the gas station.  Deputies placed Arellano under arrest for one count of PC 451(a), arson.  Due to the heightened concern of wildland fires, and the rural nature of the Ojai Valley, Ojai Detectives assisted with the incident. 
 
During the investigation, Detectives learned Arellano used gasoline as an accelerant to start the fire.  Pending crime lab analysis, Arellano may be charged with criminal enhancements based on the use of an accelerant to start a fire. 
 
This is an open investigation, and anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective James Douglas.  Arellano is currently being held in custody and his bail is set at $100,000.
 
Prepared by: Detective James Douglas, (805) 477-7042  
News Release Date: 11/13/2019  
Media Follow-Up Contact: Detective James Douglas, (805) 477-7042  
Approved by:
 
 
Booking Photo Release:
Captain James Fryhoff, Chief of Police
 
 
YES     NO  
 
           
 
Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime.  The caller may remain anonymous.  The call is not recorded.  Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).
 

Address/Location
Ventura County Sheriff's Office
800 S Victoria Ave
Ventura, CA 93003

Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 805-654-9511

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