Joint Arson Unit (LBFD / ATF / LBPD) Surveillance Nabs Suspected Arsonist Allegedly "In The Act" Just North of Downtown LB This Morning

An LBFD release indicates at least seven trashcan fires were set in February in city trashcans in the same area, usally between 4:00 a.m. and 7:30 a.m...with the most recent fires taking place two days earlier (Feb. 27).

LBFD says in a release:

This morning at around 03:30 hours, the Fire/Alcohol Tobacco & Firearms Arson Unit set up a surveillance operation in the area of 10th and Long Beach Boulevard. The surveillance captured Ronald Archuleta, 58 year old male transient, setting a large City of Long Beach trashcan on fire. Archuleta fled the scene and was captured inside a nearby convenience store by Long Beach Arson Investigators and Long Beach Police.

During the month of February, numerous trashcan fires were set in the area of 10th Street and Long Beach Boulevard. In the past month there have been at least seven trashcan fires in this immediate area. The fires were set in City trashcans usually between 04:00-07:30 hours. The most recent fires occurred Monday February 27, 2012 in this area where three trashcans were set on fire.

The case is active and on going to determine the total number of arson fires Archuleta is believed to have set.

It was chilly last night (temperature in the 40s) so we asked if this might have been an effort by a transient to keep warm; the suspect was observed walking away after setting the fire, Capt. Brandt indicated we could report.

LBFD arson investigators ask anyone with additional information on this fire or any other fires to contact the Arson Tip Hotline (562) 570-2582.