The Santa Monica Police Department (SMPD) has arrested a 36-year-old homeless man, Marco Antonio Rubio, in connection with a series of escalating arson incidents on February 9.
Between 1 and 2 p.m. that day, officers and firefighters responded to multiple arson calls. Four separate fires were intentionally set at various locations, creating significant safety risks and causing damage to public property.
Using aerial drone technology, SMPD quickly identified Rubio as the prime suspect in the fires. At the time of his arrest, he was found in possession of a lighter and an aerosol can. The fires were set at:
1000 block of Colorado Ave: A discarded pillow and cardboard were set on fire.
16th and Michigan Ave: A discarded mattress was set on fire.
Memorial Park: Netting on a Little League batting cage was set on fire.
1500 block of 18th St: A parked vehicle was set on fire.
Rubio has an arrest history in California for resisting arrest (148 PC) and several prior arrests in Texas for resisting arrest, domestic violence, and assault. However, he had no prior arson-related offenses.
Police Chief Ramon Batista praised the swift and coordinated response by both the Police and Fire Departments. He stated, “Through teamwork and advanced technology, we quickly identified the suspect and prevented further harm.”
Rubio’s arrest highlights the ongoing commitment to ensuring the safety of Santa Monica residents, with authorities preventing further escalation of these dangerous incidents.
