Phoenix Arsonist Taken Into Custody

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On July 15th, 2011, at about 1:30 a.m., Phoenix Fire Department Firefighters were called to a number of small fires in the area of 13th Street to 19th Street, from Roosevelt to Moreland.  Phoenix Police officers responded to the area to assist.  When they arrived, they observed Christian Jose Valdivia lighting a couch on fire.  The officers chased Valdivia on foot and took him into custody, with the assistance of the Phoenix Police Air Unit.  

The Arson Investigation Unit of the Phoenix Fire Department responded and assumed the investigation and it is believed that Valdivia and at least one other suspect are responsible for ten fires that the Fire Department personnel had to extinguish during this incident.  One of the fires spread to an occupied apartment complex forcing the evacuation of approximately 16 people while the fire was being extinguished.  Valdivia was booked into the Maricopa County Jail, charged with Arson of an Occupied Structure and Resisting Arrest, but more charges are pending.  

At this time, investigators are looking for other individual/s who may have been involved in these fires.  Anyone who may have information concerning this incident or knows who the suspect/s might be, is encouraged to call the Phoenix Fire Department Arson Investigation Unit at (602) 262-6774 or Silent Witness at (480) WITNESS, (480) TESTIGO for Spanish.



Author:Phoenix Fire Department Press Release