Arson Suspect Apprehended Following Restaurant and Store Fires in Hemet

“On 9/12/23 at approximately 9:28am the Hemet Police Department Communications Center received calls for service regarding fire damage to the front door of La Fogata Restaurant and a dumpster fire behind Ross Dress For Less. The dumpster fire was directly underneath the air conditioning intake for the store; filling the store with smoke. Both businesses were able to provide video surveillance of a black male adult wearing a gray backpack, long light-colored shorts, and medium curly hair.

Officers on scene at La Fogata and Officers on scene at Ross got together and realized they were possibly looking for the same suspect on both cases. Officers canvassed the area and located a subject at Gibbel Park matching the description of the suspect in the video surveillance.

The subject was identified as Sifuentes McFadden, who was found to be in possession of three small lighters, a torch lighter, and a notebook that was singed and missing pages that were ripped out. McFadden was placed under arrest and transported back to the Hemet Police Department for booking.”