Atwater man arrested in Ojai accused of using gasoline to start a fire
(Ventura County Sheriff's Office)
OJAI, Calif. - An Atwater man accused of using gasoline to start a fire in the city of Ojai has been arrested.
Juan Carlos Arellano was arrested for one count of arson but may be charged with criminal enhancements based on the use of gasoline as an accelerant to start a fire, according to the Ventura County Sheriff's Office.
The incident occurred on Nov. 11 at about 11 p.m. Deputies from the Sheriff's Ojai station responded to a Shell Gas Station at 1124 Maricopa Highway and found a large display sign engulfed in flames.
A motorcycle was discovered leaning against the sign after firefighters put out the flames. That's when deputies learned Arellano was the registered owner and began searching the area for him. Deputies found Arellano at a local motel, and during their interview, Arellano admitted to purposefully lighting the fire at the gas station, the Sheriff's Office said.
Due to the heightened concern of wildland fires, and the rural nature of the Ojai Valley, Ojai Detectives assisted with the incident, the Sheriff's Office said.
The investigation is ongoing but authorities are asking anyone who may have information regarding this case to contact Detective James Douglas at the Ventura County Sheriff's Office.
Arellano is being held on a $100,000 bail.