LOS ANGELES, CA – A man has been arrested in connection with a series of fires set across Santa Monica in a span of one hour, authorities said.
The Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) and the Santa Monica Fire Department responded to multiple fire reports on February 9 between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. Officials determined that four separate fires had been intentionally set at different locations across the city.
Investigators identified 36-year-old Marco Rubio as the suspect and took him into custody. Police said Rubio has a history of prior arrests, including resisting arrest and domestic violence charges in Texas.
Authorities said the fires were set at the following locations:
- 1000 block of Colorado Avenue: A discarded pillow and cardboard were set on fire.
- 16th Street and Michigan Avenue: A mattress was set on fire.
- Memorial Park: The netting of a Little League batting cage was set on fire.
- 1500 block of 18th Street: A parked car was set on fire.
SMPD Chief Ramon Batista credited the swift response and coordination between law enforcement and fire crews for quickly containing the situation.
“The coordinated response of both the Police and Fire Departments highlights our commitment to ensuring the safety of Santa Monica residents. Thanks to the collaboration between our teams and the use of advanced technology, we were able to identify the suspect quickly and prevent further harm,” Batista said in a statement.
Authorities have not disclosed a possible motive for the fires. The investigation remains ongoing, and officials urge anyone with information to contact SMPD.
