Arson suspect arrested in Menifee for allegedly starting fire at Target
Authorities have arrested a man who allegedly started a fire at a Target store located in Menifee, causing millions of dollars worth of damage to the business in January.
According to a report from Cal Fire/Riverside Fire Department, the initial fire broke out on Jan. 22 at around 7:30 a.m. Crews responded to the scene of the Target, located in the 30000 block of Haun Road. The massive fire caused an estimated $11.3 million in damages.
After the blaze was contained and investigators were able to survey the scene, they determined that it had indeed been caused by arson.
During the course of a two-week investigation, Cal Fire peace officers were able to successfully identify a suspect allegedly connected to the incident.
On Wednesday, officers served a search warrant at the suspect's residence, locating evidence that linked the suspect, now identified as Abel Arizmendi, to the arson.
He has been charged with:
- aggravated arson,
- arson to a structure,
- arson to property,
- arson by use of an incendiary device,
- arson during a state of emergency,
- robbery by force or fear,
- repossession of a stolen vehicle,
- fraudulent use of a credit card,
- possession of stolen property,.
As they continue to investigate the incident, authorities ask anyone with additional information to contact them at (951) 943-4970.