San Diego Police Make Several Arrests Related to Arson Cases
One individual was arrested for the deliberate act of setting a car ablaze.
In January, the San Diego Police Department (SDPD) apprehended three individuals for igniting three distinct fires throughout San Diego County. This included a homeless man who was cooking outside and another man who intentionally set a vehicle on fire.
Police announced on Monday that Joseph O’Conner, 66, Shinisha Smith, 31, and Ricardo Agraz, 47, have been charged with starting fires in San Diego County during January.
Lieutenant William Brown of the SDPD Metro Arson Strike Team (MAST) informed The Epoch Times that O’Conner was reportedly cooking outside when a propane tank exploded, sparking the fire in the dry conditions.
“It just takes one fire and the wrong conditions in the wrong area, whether started accidentally or deliberately,” Brown remarked.
MAST suggested that the district attorney charge O’Conner with unlawful or reckless fire to forest land; however, he was not booked due to the injuries he sustained from the explosion.
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“Regrettably, the suspect sustained significant burns,” Brown noted.
No other individuals were harmed in the fire, and there was no extensive property damage. O’Conner may still face charges under a law pertaining to reckless or negligent behavior that leads to fire incidents.
“In some instances, even if it is unintentional, if reckless behavior is involved—when one should have known better—it can lead to arson charges,” Brown explained. “In this particular case, had the individual not been burned, charges would have likely been filed already.”
MAST arrested Jerry Saenphansiri, 44, for the intentional act of igniting a vehicle.
“There are occasions when individuals—due to mental health issues or a lapse in judgment—deliberately ignite a fire as an act of revenge against someone else,” Brown mentioned, indicating that Saenphansiri had used an accelerant in his actions.
MAST experienced an unusual beginning to the year amidst Santa Ana winds and dry conditions, which resulted in several arson arrests. The strike team responds in cases of fatal or severe injuries from fires, arson sprees, hate crimes, high-profile events, significant monetary losses, or instances involving explosive devices. In such scenarios, MAST collaborates with fire department investigators.
Early January’s Santa Ana conditions caused MAST to be summoned multiple times each day. However, subsequent rains towards the end of January helped to dampen the fire risk in San Diego.
Furthermore, arson is suspected in the Friars Road Fire, which started on Jan. 21 as a vegetation fire. No suspects have been apprehended thus far. This fire, which occurred north of Fashion Valley in San Diego’s Mission Valley, necessitated the evacuation of the Humane Society and led to the closure of several roads.
