By Jim Emerson
UNION CITY — Two individuals have been arrested following a fire that prompted an ongoing
murder investigation. Union City police and Alameda County Fire Department firefighters
responded to the fatal fire that killed an elderly man.
The fire occurred September 23 on the 33400 block of 14th Street in Union City. Multiple
reports were received of a residence fully engulfed in flames shortly before 3:30 a.m. When
officers arrived on the scene it was still burning.
The occupants of the residence were able to evacuate, Union City police said in a prepared
statement. “Unfortunately, a 66-year-old male resident who was transported to a local hospital
later succumbed to his injuries.”
Investigators identified a man suspected of committing murder and arson. The suspect is a
Union City resident, 33-year-old Christopher S. Schwenk. Police placed Schwenk under
arrest. He was booked on suspicion of murder PC 187(A) and arson of an inhabited
structure/property PC 451(B).
An unidentified 57-year-old woman was also arrested in connection with this incident.
However, she was later released from custody. Schwenk is no longer listed in custody.
However, he remains a suspect for arson and murder.
Incidentally, Schwenk has prior arrests on his record. His previous arrests involved alcohol,
drugs, fires, vandalism, receiving stolen property, among other offenses. Schwenk was
convicted for unlawful driving or taking of vehicle in 2011.
His current arson and murder investigation remains active. Anyone with information can
contact Union City police detective Michael Bedford at 510-675-5266 or email
michaelb@unioncity.org.
Photo: Stock Image
