Long Beach Arson Suspect Arrested

A man was arrested early today for allegedly setting a trash can ablaze in Long Beach, and authorities were investigating his possible involvement in a series of similar fires in the area, a fire official said.

Ronald Archuleta, a 58-year-old transient, was taken into custody about 3:30 a.m. while allegedly setting fire to a city trash can at 10th Street and Long Beach Boulevard, said Long Beach Fire Capt. Rich Brandt.

Arson investigators had set up a surveillance operation in the area, and allegedly caught Archuleta in the act of setting the fire, Brandt said. He fled to a nearby convenience store, where he was arrested, Brandt said. He said at least seven other trash can fires were set this month in the same general area, usually between 4 a.m. and 7:30 a.m.

Three such fires occurred in the area on Monday, he said. Anyone with information on the case was urged to call the arson tip hotline, (562) 570-2582.

--City News Service