Authorities in Corona Monday asked for the public’s help locating a man suspected of lighting several small fires adjacent to businesses downtown.
Eduardo Betancourt of San Bernardino allegedly lit the blazes on the morning of Sept. 1 near the intersection West Sixth and Yorba streets, where an auto dealership and repair shop are located, according to the Corona Fire Department.
Crews quickly knocked down the spot fires, which didn’t damage the businesses.
“During the ensuing fire investigation, surveillance video was found which captured an adult male setting the fires, before walking away,” arson Investigator Travis Boan said.
He alleged that the images were confirmed to be those of Betancourt.
A possible motive for the alleged acts of arson was not disclosed.
Betancourt is described as 5 feet, 9 inches tall and 170 pounds, with “animal print” tattoos on his neck and the left side of his face. He was last seen wearing a white T-shirt, black baseball cap, dark-colored pants, sneakers and carrying a tan backpack with black spots.
Anyone with information on his whereabouts was asked to contact Boan at 951-736-2219, or the Corona Public Safety Dispatch Center at 951-736-2230.