Man arrested after starting residential fire, stealing a dog, and attempting to steal a car
Originally published as a Rancho Cucamonga Police Department Nixle post –
An active parolee was arrested in Rancho Cucamonga after he allegedly entered a residence, set it on fire, stole a dog, tried to steal a car, threatened to shoot witnesses, and resisted arrest.
The suspect, 34-year-old Joshua Cordova of Fontana, was out on parole at the time of the January 19th incident. He is now being held without bail.
Cordova had already fled the residence, located in the 9900 Block Placer Street, before police arrived that evening. Cordova had successfully started a fire inside the residence and stolen the victim’s dog, but his attempt to steal the victim’s vehicle was thwarted when he was confronted by witnesses. Cordova brandished a handgun—later identified as a BB gun—and threatened to shoot the witnesses before fleeing on foot.
When he was located by police, Cordova was near Hermosa Avenue and Foothill Boulevard. They chased him down and successfully—though not without a struggle—detained him. “Cordova resisted arrest, and spat on a deputy’s face,” according to the news release. The BB gun used earlier was recovered on Cordova’s person.
The residential fire was extinguished, but not before causing severe damage to the home and smoke damage to nearby residences.
Cordova was booked at West Valley Detention Center for burglary, resisting arrest, arson, grand theft auto, and criminal threats.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Rancho Cucamonga Police Department’s Detective Bureau at 909-477-2800 or leave an anonymous tip via We-Tip.
