Santa Cruz Arson Suspect Arrest 21S-01886

Press release from the City of Santa Cruz:

April 8, 2021

SANTA CRUZ POLICE DEPARTMENT

155 Center Street, Santa Cruz, CA 95060

MEDIA RELEASE

DATE/TIME:

April 7, 2021

LOCATION:

100 block of Beach Street

TOPIC:

Arson Arrest

CASE NUMBER:

21S-01886

INVOLVED SUBJECT(S)

SUSPECT

Name: Michael Eaton D.O.B.: 08/25/1978 Arrest: Yes

Charges: 451(d) PC-Arson

INFORMATION

On Wednesday, March 31, 2021 at approximately 4:45 p.m., the Santa Cruz Fire Department responded to a trash can fire in the business complex of 1414 Soquel Avenue. The Fire Department extinguished the fire and determined that the cause was an intentional act. Santa Cruz Police Detectives obtained surveillance footage of the incident and identified the subject as 42 year-old Michael Eaton.

On April 7, 2021 at approximately 10:00 a.m. Eaton was spotted by Santa Cruz Police Department patrol officers in the 100 block of Beach Street. Eaton was placed under arrest for the arson and booked into Santa Cruz County Jail. At this time there are two similar fires that are under investigation in the area.

The Santa Cruz Police Department has collected video surveillance from the business complex and surrounding areas. Detectives are continuing to work with Santa Cruz Fire Department Investigators to determine Eaton’s connection to the aforementioned arsons.

The Santa Cruz Police Department is asking anyone with information about this case to contact Santa Cruz Police Department Detective Richard Boolootian at (831) 420-5839 or leave information on the Crime Tip Line at (831) 420-5995.

Arson Suspect Arrest 21S-01886

For additional information, contact: Lieutenant Arnold Vasquez Phone: (831) 420-5856

Anonymous tips can also be sent to the police department through our Tip Line (831) 420-5995, or from our Website; www.santacruzpolice.com.

This press release was produced by the City of Santa Cruz. The views expressed here are the author’s own.