Buena Park Arsonist Sentenced For Setting Multiple Fires

BUENA PARK, CA — An Orange County admitted setting several fires and committing a robbery in which he splashed gas on a clerk while holding up a lighter and was immediately sentenced to a two-year prison term.

Juan Fernando Aguilar, 46-year-old Buena Park resident, pleaded guilty to two counts of arson of property and single counts of robbery, assault with caustic chemicals and assault with force likely to produce great bodily injury, all felonies.

Aguilar robbed a Walgreens store at the 7800 block of Crescent Ave. about 9 a.m. on Jan. 20, according to Buena Park police Sgt. Mike Lovchik.

The defendant was carrying a gas can and was told by a clerk that he couldn't have it in the store, said Senior Deputy District Attorney Paul Chrisopoulos. After leaving and returning several times, he splashed some of the gas on the woman as he held up a lighter and demanded cash, Chrisopoulos said.

Aguilar also torched two trash bins on Jan. 17 at 79oo block of Beach Blvd. and 80oo block of Stanton Ave.

His plea deal, which was offered by an Orange County Superior Court judge, includes four new strike convictions, so he could face a life sentence if he commits another crime, Chrisopoulos said.

City News Service contributed to this report.

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