Police Arrest Suspected Arsonist

Last night, at approximately 7:30 p.m., the South Gate Police Department (SGPD) responded to a call where a resident reported that a family member, described as a 23 year old Hispanic male, was breaking plates inside their apartment.  Within a few minutes police officers arrived to the scene, at 5216 Duncan Way, and the suspect attempted to flee.

“The officers knew that they had to cut him off before he could go across the riverbed,” said Lieutenant Frank “Pico” Rivera of the SGPD, who added that the officers apprehended the suspect on a nearby bike path.  “It would have been very difficult to catch him had he gone across. ”

Once the suspect was apprehended, the SGPD returned to the home of victims, and determined that the suspect had attempted to burn down the apartment.

The suspect is currently in custody for suspected arson. 

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