Santa Clarita, California: Four Arrested in Old Town Newhall Fire That Caused $13 Million in Damage

Four people were arrested on Thursday in connection with the fire that tore through Old Town Newhall in August and caused about $13 million in damage, the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said. Detectives served search warrants at four locations across Los Angeles County and arrested John Wright, 47, and Jesus Figueroa, 54, both of Canyon Country, Cristian Leija, 43, of El Monte, and Antoinette Ruiz, 35, of El Monte. All four face arson and conspiracy charges.

The fire broke out at about 3 a.m. on August 24 in the 24000 block of Main Street in Santa Clarita. It involved seven structures and destroyed or heavily damaged businesses that anchor the historic downtown, including the Newhall Refinery restaurant, THE MAIN theater, and Care Tucker Style House. The Los Angeles Times reported that the fire began inside an auto body shop and spread to an adjoining building that held several businesses. No motive has been released.

A two month investigation

Detectives from the sheriff's Arson and Explosives Detail responded to Main Street at about 3 a.m. on the morning of the fire and have run the investigation since then. The sheriff's department said the case has remained a top priority for the department and for the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office since the fire occurred. The warrants served on Thursday followed that two month investigation, and detectives say the work is not finished. The department has released no details about a possible motive, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Deputy Daniel Dominguez said on Thursday night that Wright was being held on $500,000 bail, while Figueroa and Leija were being held without bail. Ruiz was also being held without bail, according to jail records cited in the reports. The three men are scheduled to appear at the San Fernando Courthouse on November 2. The charges are allegations, and the cases will now move through the courts.

What the fire took from Main Street

The August fire did more than $13 million in property damage and left residents mourning the loss of the heart of the Santa Clarita community, the Los Angeles Times reported. Seven structures were involved in a district that the city has spent years rebuilding as a dining and arts center. Thursday's arrests are the first public step toward an accounting for that loss, and business owners and residents will watch the November 2 court date for the first details of the evidence behind the charges.

Anyone with information about the August 24 Main Street fire can contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Arson and Explosives Unit at (323) 881-7500. Tips can also be given anonymously through Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477), FOX LA reported.