SUSPECT ARRESTED FOR ARSON AFTER SUSPICIOUS CAR FIRE SPREADS TO BUILDING (PHOTO)
News Release from Lincoln City Police
Posted on FlashAlert: November 22nd, 2021 4:47 PM
Downloadable file: Suspected_Arson.JPG
Lincoln City Police arrested 49-year-old Diego Cruz of Newport, Oregon after investigating a suspicious car fire that occurred in the SW 3000 block of Hwy 101.
On Monday, 11/21/21 around 9:12PM, Lincoln City Police along with North Lincoln Fire & Rescue responded to a car fire in the parking lot of Lincoln City Floor Covering and Black Squid Beer House. Upon arriving, Officers found a fully involved car fire which was spreading to the nearby business building. Officers used fire extinguishers to suppress the fire on the building while awaiting the arrival of fire personnel. North Lincoln Fire & Rescue arrived quickly and fire crews were able to take control of the fire within minutes.
During the subsequent investigation, Officers developed information that allowed them to identify the suspected arsonist and his vehicle. Approximately 35 minutes after the fire, Newport PD located the suspect’s vehicle in Newport.
Diego Cruz (49), of Newport, was arrested on charges including Arson II, Criminal Mischief I, and Reckless Burning. He was transported to the Lincoln County Jail where he was lodged on the listed charges with his bail set at $115,000.
Lincoln City Police would like to express our thanks to North Lincoln Fire, Oregon State Fire Marshal, LCPD 911 Dispatch and Newport Police for their assistance in this case.
Submitted by: Lieutenant Jeffrey Winn
