Man arrested for setting fire to Ventura County grocery store, causing $100K in damage

Deputies arrested a man for allegedly setting fire to a grocery store in Fillmore early Monday morning, officials announced.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office said patrol deputies and fire crews responded around 12:30 a.m. to a fire at the rear building of Super A Foods. Firefighters were able to put out the flames quickly upon arriving, according to the sheriff’s office.

However, as a result, officials said the fire burned a generator, causing about $100,000 in damages.

“Upon further investigation, the cause and origin of the fire appeared to be suspicious, and the fire was determined to be arson,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement.

Deputies found evidence around the scene and were soon able to positively identify the arson suspect as 32-year-old Jose Vasquez of Fillmore.

“Fillmore arson investigators processed the crime scene and additional evidence was collected,” officials noted.

At around 8 a.m., deputies found and arrested Vasquez in the 400 block of Blaine Street, where they found additional evidence that further linked Vasquez to the arson.

Deputies booked Vasquez at the Ventura County Pre-Trial Detention Facility for one count of felony arson, and set his bail set at $50,000, according to officials.

The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office said it would like to remind the public to report suspicious behavior by calling the Ventura County Sheriff’s Communications Center at 805-654-9511 or 911 for any emergencies.

“When reporting suspicious behavior, please be a great witness and provide as much detail as possible,” the department added.