According to Senior K-9 Officer Allen Macias, the incident occurred December 23 at approximately 2:10 p.m. when SPPD Officers responded to the area of 12th and Santa Paula streets regarding a fire. 

Upon arrival, a bush and palm tree were on fire, a blaze quickly knocked down by Santa Paula Firefighters. 

Macias said witnesses in the area told police that the suspect who lit the fire — described as a male wearing a straw hat, jeans and holding a sign — fled east on Santa Paula Street. 

“While checking the area, officers located the suspect in a vacant dirt lot just south of Santa Paula Street near 13th Street. The suspect,” identified as John Soto, 45, of Santa Paula, “refused to comply with officers’ orders.”

Macias said as officers attempted to conduct a pat down search on Soto for weapons, “He tensed up and began to resist. With the assistance of a police canine, officers were able to gain control of the suspect and place him in custody.”

No one was injured during the incident.

During the investigation, noted Macias, SPPD Officers learned that a nearby business captured the suspect starting the fire on its video surveillance system.

Soto was arrested for arson and resisting arrest. After being processed at the Santa Paula Police Department Soto was transported to Ventura County Main Jail where he was being held on no bail.

Anyone that witnessed the incident is asked to contact SPPD Sgt. Cody Madison at (805) 525-4474 x 220 or at cmadison@spcity.org.

You can remain anonymous.

You can also call the SPPD recorded Tip Hotline, 933-5691 or email tips to tipline@spcity.org and remain anonymous.

Or, call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477); the call is not recorded and the caller may remain anonymous.

Ventura County Crime Stoppers can also be contacted by texting “Busted” plus your message to CRIMES (274637). 

Crime Stopper Tips can also be sent via the website, www.venturacountycrimestoppers.org