Man Accused Of Starting Fire In Mexican Restaurant

SAN LEANDRO, CA –Officers responding last week to a shoplifting call at an area business reportedly recognized the suspect being held by security crews and arrested the man in connection with a fire that occurred in October at a San Leandro restaurant, authorities said.

Police were called to a downtown retail store Friday evening where 32-year-old Rodney Rushing was being detained by security personnel for the suspected shoplifting. Upon their arrival, one officer "immediately recognized" Rushing as the individual captured on video in the arson investigation, the San Leandro Police Department said.

The fire was started Oct. 8 at about 6:20 p.m. in the restroom of Ana Rosa's Mexican Restaurant at 2089 E. 14th St. in San Leandro. Employees saw smoke and flames coming from the bathroom and evacuated the eatery, police said. Firefighters arrived and extinguished the blaze, which investigators determined was intentionally set.

One restaurant worker told police that shortly before the smoke was spotted, a male came into the business and asked to use the bathroom, police said. Surveillance video confirmed the employee's account, and video footage showing a man entering and exiting the restroom during the time of the fire was distributed to area law enforcement, police said.

Rushing reportedly admitted to San Leandro detectives that he was in Ana Rosa's restroom on Oct. 8 during the fire's timeframe, but "does not remember what happened," police said.

San Leandro detectives are looking into whether Rushing is a suspect in other arson cases.

"Our patrol officer did a great job recognizing this subject from a previous case," said San Leandro Police Lt. Isaac Benabou. "This is exactly how cohesive policework is done. This is a dangerous individual who needed to be caught, as he is most likely responsible for several other similar cases."

Rushing was booked on suspicion of arson at the Santa Rita Jail in Dublin.

No details were available on the extent of damage the fire caused at the San Leandro restaurant.

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--Image via San Leandro PD