Four people were arrested on suspicion of arson and conspiracy in connection with a fire that spread to several businesses in historic Old Town Newhall in August, resulting in about $13 million in property damage, authorities said Thursday.
Detectives served search warrants at four locations in Los Angeles County on Thursday, leading to the arrests of 47-year-old John Wright of Canyon Country, 43-year-old Cristian Leija of El Monte, 54-year-old Jesus Figueroa of Canyon Country and Antoinette Ruiz of El Monte, according to the LA County Sheriff’s Department.
The so-called Main Street Fire broke out near the 24000 block of Main Street around 3 a.m. on Aug. 24. In total, seven structures were involved, including an auto body shop, performing arts center and a restaurant.
“It pretty much consumed the whole commercial building,” Los Angeles County Fire Department spokesman Keith Navarre said at the time.
More than 100 firefighters responded to the blaze.
The sheriff’s department said the Main Street Fire investigation remained a top priority for the LASD and the LA County District Attorney’s Office and that the city of Santa Clarita and the LA County Board of Supervisors offered their support.
“The Sheriff’s Department recognizes the significant impact this fire has had on affected property owners, local businesses, and the surrounding Santa Clarita community,” the LASD said in a news release. “We remain committed to conducting a thorough and comprehensive investigation, pursuing all available leads, and working closely with our community partners to determine the cause and circumstances surrounding this incident.”
Details about the cause of the fire were not immediately available.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information about the Main Street Fire can contact the LASD’s Arson/Explosives Unit at 323-881-7500.
