Authorities used aerial drone technology to assist in the investigation
A man was arrested Saturday in connection with a string of arson fires set across Santa Monica, authorities said.
Between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m., four fires were intentionally started at different locations, causing property damage and posing safety risks, according to the Santa Monica Police and Fire Departments.
Police identified the suspect as Marco Antonio Rubio, 36, who is homeless. He was arrested in possession of a lighter and an aerosol can, authorities said.
The fires included a blaze that ignited a discarded pillow and cardboard on the 1000 block of Colorado Avenue, as well as a mattress fire near 16th Street and Michigan Avenue. At Memorial Park, netting on a Little League batting cage was set on fire, and on the 1500 block of 18th Street, a parked vehicle was burned.
Authorities used aerial drone technology to assist in the investigation, leading to Rubio’s identification and arrest.
Police said Rubio has prior arrests in California for resisting arrest, as well as multiple arrests in Texas for resisting arrest, domestic violence, and assault-related offenses. He has no known history of arson-related crimes.
