Riverside PD: Transient arrested on allegations of arson and attempted murder
Originally published as a Riverside Police Department Facebook post:
“RIVERSIDE, CA – On Thursday, April 15, 2022 at approximately 7:30 a.m., the City of Riverside Fire Department responded to reports of a fire with possible injuries at a homeless encampment in the 5900 block of Van Buren Boulevard in Riverside. When they arrived, firefighters found the encampment well involved with fire and an adult male suffering from significant burns to his lower extremities.
Immediate medical care was rendered to the burn victim and the fire was extinguished, isolating the damage only to the encampment.
The Fire Department’s Fire/Arson Investigations Unit responded to the scene and assumed the investigation. They were able to determine the cause of the fire and that it was intentionally ignited while the victim was inside the encampment. Investigators developed information into a possible suspect and disseminated it to Riverside Police Officers, who located the suspect a few days later on Wednesday, April 20th.
With assistance from the Riverside Police Department’s Robbery-Homicide Unit, the suspect was interviewed then arrested for arson and attempted murder. Joseph Breyer, a 42-year-old transient of Riverside was later booked into the Robert Presley Detention Center and is currently being held on 1 million dollars’ bail.
The City of Riverside Fire Department is committed to preserving and enhancing the quality of life for the community members of Riverside by protecting life, property, and the environment. The Fire Department maintains an investigations unit that provides high quality services, innovative leadership, and problem prevention through highly trained and cross-sworn investigators. All citizens are encouraged to report any information related to the cause of fires with the city of Riverside.”
