Full Notification

San Mateo Police Department arrested two in connection with a vehicle fire after surveillance footage captured family members setting fire to car following an argument.
 
San Mateo, CA – On Tuesday, January 8, 2019, San Mateo Department’s Crime Reduction Unit and Detective Bureau arrested two after serving a search warrant in San Francisco following a vehicle arson in San Mateo on Friday, December 28, 2018, at 2 AM.
 
Officers initially responded to reports of a car on fire at the 100 Block of N Idaho Street in San Mateo. After police and fire departments arrived on scene, the victim reported she had an argument with her step-sister, Amber Gonser, and Gonser’s boyfriend, Kristopher Jones, about a week ago. Since then, the victim told police Gonser had been harassing her.
 
According to surveillance footage obtained by police, Jones had broken the car’s rear passenger window and poured gasoline inside from a plastic jug. Gonser then approached the car and ignited the fire before quickly fleeing the scene. Police later recovered the plastic jug left behind close to the car.
 
On Tuesday, January 8, 2019, a search warrant was served at the home of Gonser and Jones at the 100 Block of Fell Street in San Francisco. Detectives canvassed the area and found a gas station nearby that had video surveillance of Gonser and Jones filling a plastic jug with gasoline just one hour before the fire.
 
Gonser and Jones were subsequently arrested on warrants issued in connection with the arson. They were transported to San Mateo County Jail and booked on several charges.
 
The San Mateo Police Department is taking steps to combat criminal activity in our city. We encourage the use/registration of surveillance cameras, motion activated bright lights, and utilizing an alarm system. If you see suspicious activity in your neighborhood, please contact the police immediately. Remember, “If you see something, say something.”
 
To register your security camera with SMPD, please click on the link below:
www.cityofsanmateo.org/nest
 
For more tips on how to be a good witness, please click the link below:
https://www.cityofsanmateo.org/DocumentCenter/View/38168
 
Arrested
 
Amber Gonser 38-year old from San Francisco
Booking Charges: Arson of property, vandalism over $400 value, and conspiracy to commit crime.
 
Kristopher Jones 34-year old from San Francisco
Booking Charges: Arson of property, vandalism over $400 value, and conspiracy to commit crime.
 
Please request booking photos from San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office at [email protected].
 
MEDIA CONTACT
Ofc. Michael Haobsh
650-522-7626
[email protected]