LEMON GROVE (CNS) - The San Diego County Sheriff's Department says it made an arrest in connection to a suspicious midday fire at a Lemon Grove motel that happened on Friday. The fire displaced three people and caused about $100,000 worth of damage.
Deputies on patrol near the intersection of state Routes 94 and 125 shortly after noon noticed smoke emanating from the Grove Motel, 8002 Broadway, according to San Diego County Sheriff's Department Sgt. Anthony Portillo.
The personnel arrived to find one of the rooms engulfed in flames, Portillo said.
"Witnesses reported hearing a loud banging sound coming from the unit that was on fire, as well as seeing the occupant leaving minutes prior to the fire," Portillo said.
Firefighters had the non-injury blaze under control by 12:40 p.m., said Andy McKellar, spokesman for Heartland Fire & Rescue.
Due to the circumstances of the fire, detectives with the sheriff's Bomb/Arson Unit were called in. On Saturday, the arson unit identified Carlos Antonio Landa, 39, as the suspect.
According to SDSD's press release, Landa had been arrested by the Metro Arson Strike Team on Friday for assault and arson-related charges connected to an unrelated incident in the city.
Sheriff's detectives rebooked him on another charge of arson for the Lemon Grove fire. Landa's bail was set at $250,000.
The American Red Cross was helping the displaced people arrange for emergency shelter.
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