Arsonist Arrested for Igniting Fire, Key is Life-Saving Text-to-911 Now Available
Photo: Alex Soto
Irwindale PD has announced the arrest of suspect Alex Soto (33) of Azusa, who set a brush fire on Wednesday, December 6, 2017 at approximately 1:21 PM. Irwindale PD and Azusa PD responded to the area of Lario San Gabriel River Trail Park (15701 Foothill Boulevard) regarding a report of a brush fire on the southeast side of the park which lies within the city of Irwindale.
LA County Fire told Crime Voice that they made a single-engine response to the grass fire, when a passersby alerted authorities. Responders extinguished the blaze after approximately 60 minutes.
Irwindale PD Sgt. Rudy Gatto announced, “The initial investigation revealed a group of subjects seen near the fire. When officers approached the group, one of the males ran from the officers and a short foot chase ensued. The subject was eventually detained without incident a short distance later. During the investigation, a lighter was found in his possession and the subject made statements implicating himself in the fire. He was arrested by Irwindale Police Department officers at the scene.”
Soto was booked at the Glendora PD jail for an arson (Property) offense, as well as multiple arrest warrants for unrelated charges, with a $250,000.00 bail set.
The quick response by approximately 60 firefighters limited the fire to approximately one acre of brush,with no injuries. No structural damage, evacuations, nor street closures were needed.
La Verne FD Battalion Chief Mark Horine told Crime Voice, “In a situation where one can’t dial 911, the new Text-to-911 is a real asset – when needing to report quietly, someone is choking, or CPR is in progress. Ultimately calling 911 to speak is beneficial for the nature of the call and the location. All texts and calls share dispatch with PD and FD throughout the area network.”
The ongoing investigation is being conducted in cooperation with the Los Angeles County Fire Department. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Irwindale Police Department’s Detective Bureau at (626) 430-2245
