Crime & Safety

Santa Cruz County Man Arrested In Connection With Brush Fires

Suspect, 52, linked to more than 50 arson cases, police said.

A Santa Cruz County man was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of arson after an investigation linked him to more than 50 suspicious vegetation fires, fire officials said Wednesday.

Jose Luis Sanchez, 52, was arrested near Watsonville Wednesday morning after a three-month investigation, Santa Cruz County Fire Department officials said. Cal Fire alleges that Sanchez started more than 50 vegetataion fires in the Harkins Slough area in an unincorporated part of Santa Cruz County.

Residents with information on possible arson fires can call the Arson Tip line at 1 (800) 468-4408.

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--Bay City News

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