Oxnard Men Arrested for Arson and Conspiracy

Ed Bradley

2 min read

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08-12-2024

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Two Oxnard men were arrested and charged with arson and conspiracy following a significant fire that damaged several businesses in the city's downtown area last week. The arrests, announced yesterday by the Oxnard Police Department, conclude a week-long investigation into the blaze that broke out early Wednesday morning.

Arrests and Charges

Authorities apprehended 31-year-old Miguel Hernandez and 27-year-old Carlos Rodriguez on Tuesday evening. Both men are currently being held at Ventura County Jail. Hernandez and Rodriguez face multiple felony charges, including aggravated arson, conspiracy to commit arson, and property damage. The specific charges and potential penalties will be determined during their upcoming court appearances.

The Investigation

The fire, which ignited at approximately 2:00 AM last Wednesday, rapidly spread across three adjacent businesses on South Oxnard Boulevard. The ensuing blaze resulted in significant structural damage and substantial losses to the businesses. No injuries were reported, although several residents were evacuated from nearby apartments.

Oxnard Police and Fire Departments collaborated on the investigation, which involved analyzing witness accounts, reviewing surveillance footage from neighboring buildings, and meticulously examining the scene for evidence. Police Chief Michael Richards commended the collaborative efforts of both departments, stating, "This was a complex investigation that required a combined effort and significant investigative resources. We're pleased to have swiftly apprehended the suspects and brought them to justice."

Evidence and Motive

While authorities have not publicly released specifics regarding the evidence gathered, Chief Richards did confirm the discovery of accelerants at the scene. The motive behind the alleged arson remains under investigation, though authorities indicated that the investigation is focusing on the possibility of a dispute between the suspects and the owners of one of the affected businesses. Further details are expected to be released during court proceedings.

Community Impact

The fire caused significant disruption to the downtown Oxnard business community. The affected businesses, which include a popular bakery and a long-standing hardware store, have been forced to temporarily close, impacting local employment and the economy. The city is working to provide support to the affected businesses and residents. A community meeting is scheduled for next week to address concerns and provide updates on the ongoing recovery efforts. The incident has also raised concerns about safety within the downtown area, prompting renewed calls for enhanced security measures.

The next court appearance for Hernandez and Rodriguez is scheduled for Friday. This is an ongoing investigation, and further updates will be provided as they become available.