Man Arrested on Suspicion of Setting 3 Fires at a Construction Company
MARTINEZ — An apparently disgruntled former employee was arrested on suspicion of setting three fires at a construction company. The suspect was recorded by security cameras fleeing from the premises.
The Contra Costa County Fire Protection District announced the man’s arrest on March 23. The 36-year-old suspect Fabian Vera was taken into custody March 16.
Fabian remains housed at the Martinez Detention Facility ineligible for release on bond, pending a court hearing this week.
He is suspected of starting fires March 10 outside JFC Construction Inc., located at 4901 Pacheco Boulevard in Martinez. Firefighters responded at 7:20 p.m.
Upon arrival at the scene, firefighters located three separate fires, which they quickly extinguished. The blazes nevertheless caused an estimated $75,000 in damages.
One fire burned a utility truck containing spools of telecommunications cable. A second fire was located inside a wheelbarrow underneath a large roof overhang.
The third fire was burning in a storage yard adjacent to a stack of lumber. An arson inquiry was conducted by fire district officials. Investigators determined the business was having problems with a recently terminated employee.
Surveillance videos show Vera on the property and leaving at the time the fires were set.
A warrant was obtained for Vera’s arrest, and Contra County Sheriff’s Office deputies located and arrested Vera in Bay Point.
Vera faces charges for arson, burglary, and vandalism defacing a property.
