Target Fire
MURRIETA (CNS) – A felon who ignited a blaze in a Menifee Target store, causing significant damage, was bound for state prison Tuesday to serve a 23-year sentence after pleading guilty to several charges.
Abel Arizmendi Jr., 31, of Lake Elsinore, on Monday admitted one count of arson to a structure and a sentence-enhancing allegation of perpetrating arson in an area under a previously declared state of emergency as part of a plea agreement with the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office. Prosecutors dropped a charge of aggravated arson, as well as three unrelated counts stemming from a separate case, in exchange for Arizmendi’s admissions.
During a hearing at the Southwest Justice Center in Murrieta, Superior Court Judge John Monterosso certified the terms of the plea deal and imposed the sentence stipulated by the prosecution and defense. He signed the prison commitment order Tuesday morning.
According to Cal Fire, on the morning of Jan. 22, 2023, Arizmendi used an unspecified ignition device to set a trash receptacle ablaze in the men’s department of the Target at 30340 Haun Road.
“The fire started in the trash can and quickly spread to nearby clothing and parts of the building, resulting in substantial damage,” according to an agency statement.
Multiple engine and truck crews were sent to the location and spent several hours knocking down the blaze. No one was injured.
“The cost of the lost inventory, damage to the interior of the building and restoration equaled $11.7 million and took several months to repair,” Cal Fire stated.
A possible motive was not provided.
Cal Fire arson investigators spent roughly a week gathering evidence that ultimately pointed to Arizmendi as the perpetrator, resulting in his arrest on Jan. 31, 2023.
Court records show he has prior convictions for felony evading, assault with a deadly weapon and auto theft.
For More Law and Disorder News Visit www.zapinin.com/law-and-disorder