Full Notification

MEDIA RELEASE

WHAT: Arrest for Arson

WHERE: 201 Madonna Rd. San Luis Obispo

WHEN: July 26, 2016 6:05 am

ARRESTED: Mario FURTADO, 32 year old San Luis Obispo transient

DEPARTMENT CONTACT: Lieutenant John Bledsoe


On July 26, 2016 at approximately 6:05 am, San Luis Obispo Police Officers and Fire Department Personnel responded to the 200 block of Madonna Road for the report of a dumpster and two trash cans that were lit on fire. About 30 minutes after responding to the scene a SLO PD officer detained Mario FURTADO who was still in the area. The initial investigation led officers to believe Furtado was responsible for setting these fires. While checking nearby businesses officers found surveillance video which captured a subject resembling Furtado starting the fires in the dumpster and trash cans. At this time Furtado was taken into custody for arson. No other suspects were believed to be involved in this incident.

The San Luis Obispo Police Department is currently investigating dozens of arson fires that have been set over the course of the last two years. At this point in the investigation it is unknown if Furtado is responsible for any other arson fires. Police and Fire Investigators are continuing to follow up on leads and information to find the person or persons responsible for setting these fires.

He was booked into San Luis Obispo County jail for Arson (PC 451) with his bail set at $50,000.00. Anyone with information regarding this, or any of the arsons is asked to call the San Luis Obispo Police Department or Crime Stoppers.






FURTADO, MARIO


SLOPD utilizes Nixle as an electronic information sharing system. Refer to http://www.nixle.com. to create an account and receive automatic timely updates and important news. Anonymous information may be referred to Crime Stopper @ (805) 549-STOP

Prepared by: Lieutenant John Bledsoe
DR#: 160726011
Date/Time: 7-26-16/ 1000
Typed by: J. Bledsoe