Full Notification

On November 30, 2017, Officers located and arrested Patrick Baker (DOB 11/08/85) who was wanted for arson. On October 08, 2017, Officers responded to a suspicious person call in the El Cerrito Plaza. Upon arrival, Officers saw a large cloud of black smoke coming from the backside of the Ross store. When Officers neared the rear of the business, they saw a large brush and tree fire alongside the Ohlone Greenway. Officers quickly sprang into action, retreated to their vehicles and grabbed their fire extinguishers. While the Officers were putting out the blaze, they noticed a man later identified as Baker standing nearby fixating on the fire. After combined efforts from the El Cerrito Fire Department and the Officers on scene, the fire was stifled and no injuries were reported. During the arson investigation documents belonging to Baker were located inside the crime scene. It was determined that these items were used as kindling and were presumed to have started the fire.

Due to the condition of the evidence, Officers were initially unable to examine the items. However, upon further examination, Detectives were able to link the paperwork to Baker.

On November 30, 2017, Officers located Baker and he was subsequently arrested and later booked into the Martinez Detention Facility.

It is also possible that this arrestee has committed other similar offenses which were not reported. Anyone with information about this incident or other recent events is encouraged to contact the ECPD at [email protected] or by calling dispatch at (510) 233-1214.