Four arrested in investigation of Old Town Newhall fire

Four people have been arrested in the investigation of a major fire that struck Old Town Newhall in Santa Clarita on August 24, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said on October 29. The fire began at about 3 in the morning along the 24000 block of Main Street and involved seven structures, including local businesses. Property damage was estimated at about $13 million.

Detectives served search warrants at four locations across Los Angeles County on October 29, leading to the arrests. The four arrestees were 47-year-old John Wright, 54-year-old Jesus Figueroa, 43-year-old Cristian Leija, and 35-year-old Antoinette Ruiz, facing arson and conspiracy charges. Wright and Figueroa are from Canyon Country; Leija and Ruiz are from El Monte.

The fire destroyed several businesses, including Newhall Refinery, the MAIN theater and Care Tucker Style House. The sheriff’s department said the blaze had a significant effect on property owners, local businesses and the surrounding community. No motive or further details about the people arrested were released.

Captain Robbie Royster praised the work of the department’s Arson and Explosives Detail, saying investigators had pursued leads since the fire and were committed to holding those responsible accountable. The department said it would continue investigating with support from the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, the city and county partners.

Anyone with information can contact the Sheriff’s Department’s Arson/Explosives Unit at (323) 881-7500. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477 or lacrimestoppers.org.