Tuesday, 28 July 2026, 13:14
San Diego police have arrested a 57-year-old man in connection with a deadly encampment fire that claimed a life in the Mountain View neighborhood. The June 28 blaze, ruled arson by investigators, led to the victim's death at a hospital the following day.
Jose Arredondo was taken into custody Monday in the 4100 block of Newton Avenue. He is being held at San Diego County Jail on suspicion of murder and arson, according to the San Diego Police Department. The Metro Arson Strike Team determined the fire was intentionally set.
At 10:23 p.m. Saturday, dispatchers received a report of an encampment fire at 900 S. 45th St. Officers arrived to find a large fire on the sidewalk and a man suffering from severe burns. San Diego Fire-Rescue extinguished the blaze and treated the victim, who later died Sunday. His name is being withheld pending family notification.
Witnesses told police they saw a man in his 60s leaving the area as the fire started. Acting Lt. David Garren stated, 'This appears to be a targeted incident, and there is no indication that there is any ongoing public safety threat.' The SDPD Homicide Unit is leading the investigation.
The Mountain View neighborhood is a residential area in southeastern San Diego, part of Stanislaus County. Encampment fires have been a recurring concern in the region, highlighting ongoing challenges with homeless safety and arson risks.
Authorities urge anyone with information to contact the Homicide Unit at 619-531-2293 or Crime Stoppers at 888-580-8477. The case remains under active investigation.
