Santa Ana police Friday asked for the public’s help tracking down an arson suspect who investigators believe torched a neighbor’s residence in a mobile home park.
Police identified the suspect as Ruben Valadez Garcia, 44, of Santa Ana. Garcia is 5 feet 6, about 190 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes, police said.
The fire broke out about 8:45 a.m. at the Gable Mobile Estates at 4801 W. 1st St., according to Santa Ana police Cpl. Anthony Bertagna said.
The home’s residents managed to get out safely, but the structure was red-tagged, Bertagna said.
Surveillance video shows Garcia setting two large bushes next to the home ablaze, according to Bertagna, who said the flames spread to the front of the home.
The motive for the alleged arson is unclear, Bertagna said.
Anyone who has information on the whereabouts of Garcia, who has not returned to his residence in the mobile home park, was asked to call detectives at 714-245-8375 or email acastro@santa-ana.org. Orange County Crime Stoppers will accept anonymous tips at (855) TIP-OCCS.