Photo: Jesse B. Jackson
PITTSBURG — A man suspected of setting four cars on fire was arrested by Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (Con Fire) investigators. The fires occurred at a used car dealership and a nearby restaurant on July 6.
Four cars were set on fire in the predawn hours. Three cars were torched outside at Corporate Fleet Sales, located at 2101 Railroad Avenue. A fourth car was set aflame in the parking lot of the Jack in a Box restaurant at 2135 Railroad Avenue.
Firefighters quickly extinguished the fires. Investigators reviewed surveillance videos recorded at nearby businesses, which provided them with detailed images of a male suspect.
Investigators searched the immediate area, and the investigation was wrapped up quickly. The suspected arsonist was located and detained about three-quarters of a mile away on the 200 block of Atlantic Avenue.
The suspect was identified as 37-year-old Jesse B. Jackson, formerly of Oakland, who recently relocated to Pittsburg.
Jackson was arrested at 2:09 a.m. by Con Fire with assistance from the Pittsburg Police Department. Jackson was transported and booked into the Martinez Detention Facility.
Jackson presently remains in custody in lieu of $100,000 bond. He faces multiple charges for willfully and maliciously setting fire to property (PC 451). He is also charged with violation of probation for a prior stalking conviction.
