Lake Elsinore Arson Suspects Arrested With Flare Gun, Flares: Police

CORONA, CA - Two Lake Elsinore men suspected of igniting a brush fire on Corona Airport grounds, and possibly more fire across Riverside County, were arrested this weekend, according to Corona police. The men, who are 19 and 20, were not identified, pending additional investigation.

Authorities were dispatched to the scene of the fire, which burned over 20 acres of vegetation, at 11:19 p.m. Friday, said Sgt. Paul Mercado of the Corona Police Department. The fire started in a field on the east side of the airport near Rincon Street and Smith Avenue.

Witnesses gave police a description of the suspect vehicle and reported "possibly seeing fireworks being shot into the field," Mercado said.

"Riverside Police Department helicopter, Air 1, responded to the Corona Airport and observed vegetation fires also in the area of the 71 freeway," according to police. "Air 1 flew toward the area and could see possible aerial flares being fired from a moving vehicle. CalFire and Chino Valley Fire District responded to the two additional fires near the 71 freeway."

Then, at 11:44 p.m., police pulled over a vehicle that matched the suspect vehicle description near East Sixth Street and Rimpau Avenue. The two male suspects inside, a 19-year-old and a 20-year-old, allegedly were in possession of a flare gun and flares, Mercado said.

The duo were arrested and booked into a Riverside County jail on suspicion of arson and their bail set at $10,000 each.

"Corona Fire Department and the Corona Police Department coordinated with CalFire Investigators and believe that the suspects apprehended could also be responsible for additional fires in the Riverside County area," police said. "Names and photos of suspects are being withheld at this time pending further investigation."

Friday's fire did not cause injuries or damage any structures.

— City News Service contributed to this report / Patch file photo by Renee Schiavone