Authorities are asking for the public’s help in identifying a suspected arsonist who was caught in surveillance video pouring liquid inside a Santa Ana business this week moments before firefighters responded to a massive structure fire there.
Video shows the man entering the auto parts store on E. 6th Street around 3:30 a.m. Monday, holding a gun in one hand and picking up a tin container, which he then dumped on two desks in the building, according to the Orange County Fire Authority.
Firefighters believe the liquid was some kind of “accelerator” that could have been used “to start and spread a fire,” according to a tweet from the fire authority.
Two minutes later, firefighters received a 911 call about flames shooting through the roof of the building, according to a separate report. fire authority tweet. Firefighters were able to get the fire under control in about five minutes, but the building was heavily damaged, authorities said.
No one was injured in the fire.
Officials ask anyone with information on the suspect to call Orange County Fire Authority Investigations at (949) 560-0665.
