Man Arrested for Arson After House Fire in El Cajon

On the evening of September 6, 2024, a house fire in El Cajon, California, led to the arrest of 53-year-old Jose Orozco for arson. The incident stemmed from a dispute between Orozco, a tenant, and his landlord earlier that day, during which Orozco had locked himself in his room. Despite the earlier conflict, police determined that no crime had occurred at that time. However, later that night, firefighters responded to a blaze that had ignited in Orozco's room, where he was not present. Investigators discovered a plastic bottle filled with gasoline and a rag in Orozco's vehicle, prompting his arrest for arson and possession of a destructive device.

Fortunately, no injuries were reported among the other occupants of the residence. Orozco's extensive criminal background includes serious offenses such as assault with a deadly weapon and elder abuse, raising concerns about community safety. The El Cajon Police Department urges anyone with further information about the case to come forward.