By F. Scott Faulkner
FILLMORE, CA — A 32-year-old Fillmore man was arrested Monday morning in connection with an arson that
caused significant damage behind a local grocery store.
Just after midnight on February 3, Ventura County Sheriff’s Department deputies, along with Fillmore Fire Department personnel responded
to a fire at the rear of downtown supermarket.
According to VCSD spokesman Sgt. Will Hollowell, fire crews “quickly contained and
extinguished” the blaze, preventing it from spreading to adjacent structures. The immediately
ensuing investigation indicated that fire had damaged a generator, with losses estimated at
approximately $100,000.
Officials concluded that the fire was intentionally set. Deputies reviewed collected evidence
which led to the identification of Jose Gilberto Vasquez as the suspect.
Vasquez was located, walking down a commercial district street and summarily took him into custody without
incident. Vasquez was transported to Ventura County Jail, where he was booked on a charge of
felony arson, with his bail set at $50,000.
