Four arrested in $13 million Old Town Newhall fire case

Los Angeles County authorities arrested four individuals on Thursday on suspicion of arson and conspiracy. The arrests relate to a fire in August that caused approximately $13 million in property damage within the historic Old Town Newhall district.

Detectives executed search warrants at four locations across Los Angeles County to make the arrests. The suspects are 47-year-old John Wright of Canyon Country, 43-year-old Cristian Leija of El Monte, 54-year-old Jesus Figueroa of Canyon Country, and Antoinette Ruiz of El Monte. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department confirmed the arrests in a news release.

The incident, known as the Main Street Fire, began near 3 a.m. on August 24 in the 24000 block of Main Street. Seven structures were involved in the blaze, including an auto body shop, a performing arts center, and a restaurant. More than 100 firefighters responded to the scene.

Keith Navarre, a spokesman for the Los Angeles County Fire Department, stated at the time that the fire "pretty much consumed the whole commercial building." The Sheriff's Department described the investigation as a top priority for both the LASD and the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office. The city of Santa Clarita and the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors have offered their support to the investigators.

The Sheriff's Department acknowledged the impact of the fire on property owners and local businesses. Officials said they remain committed to a thorough investigation to determine the cause and circumstances of the incident. Details regarding the specific cause of the fire were not immediately available.

The investigation is ongoing. The LASD Arson/Explosives Unit has requested that anyone with information contact the unit at 323-881-7500.