The Inn Fire Arson Suspect Arrested, Held On $120k Bail

LAGUNA BEACH, CA — A 33-year-old resident of Laguna Beach was arrested following a fight and small fire last Friday morning, Laguna Beach Police Sgt. Jim Cota reported. At just before 6:45 a.m., a fight at The Inn at Laguna broke out for unknown reasons and was reported to police. Shortly afterward, the trash bin fire was was reported to residents via Nixle.

Officers and firefighters responded to the scene of Coast Highway, closing the section between Broadway Street and Aster Street to deal with the blaze. Later that day, police received the video surveillance footage of the physical fight at The Inn, according to StuNewsLaguna.

The footage "showed Sterling setting the fire and fleeing the area," Cota reported. Hours later, police located Jermaine Sterling, at the Mobil Gas Station, following the fire.

Sterling was arrested without incident, and is currently housed at the Theo Lacy Facility, with bail of $120,000. His next court appearance at the Harbor Justice Center is scheduled for Sept. 19, according to the courts.

Laguna Beach Fire Department Photos