Four Arrested Over $13 Million Old Town Newhall Fire
Los Angeles County officials detained four suspects in August blaze that damaged seven structures in Santa Clarita.
By Gabriela Ivanov ·
Authorities arrested four individuals on suspicion of arson and conspiracy regarding a fire that caused approximately $13 million in property damage in historic Old Town Newhall.
Detectives from the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department executed search warrants at four locations on Thursday. The actions resulted in the detention of John Wright, 47, of Canyon Country; Cristian Leija, 43, of El Monte; Jesus Figueroa, 54, of Canyon Country; and Antoinette Ruiz of El Monte.
The incident, designated as the Main Street Fire, began near the 24,000 block of Main Street around 3 a.m. on August 24. Seven structures were involved in the blaze, including an auto body shop, a performing arts center, and a restaurant. More than 100 firefighters responded to the emergency.
Keith Navarre, a spokesman for the Los Angeles County Fire Department, stated that the fire pretty much consumed the whole commercial building.
The sheriff's department identified the investigation as a top priority for both the LASD and the LA County District Attorney's Office. The city of Santa Clarita and the LA County Board of Supervisors provided support to the agencies. A department news release noted that the fire had a substantial impact on affected property owners and local businesses.
The investigation remains active. The LASD Arson/Explosives Unit requested that anyone with information contact the office at 323-881-7500. Specific details regarding the fire's cause were not immediately available to the public.
