Sheriffs Arrest Four People Over $13 Million Old Town Newhall Blaze

Police in Santa Clarita arrested four adults on Thursday, accusing them of starting the fire that destroyed historic buildings in Old Town Newhall in August. The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department served search warrants at four locations earlier in the day. Officers took into custody three men and one woman, who are now facing charges for arson and conspiracy.

The fire began in the early hours of August 24, 2024. Detectives from the arson and explosives unit arrived around 3 a.m. at the 24000 block of Main Street to investigate a major structure fire. The blaze consumed seven buildings and caused approximately $13 million in property damage. The Santa Clarita Fire Department stated that the fire started inside an auto-body shop and spread to an adjacent building that housed a boutique, a gastropub, and a theater.

The four suspects include John Wright, 47, and Jesus Figueroa, 54, both of Canyon Country. The other two are Cristian Leija, 43, and Antoinette Ruiz, 35, both from El Monte. Deputy Daniel Dominguez announced the bail conditions for the male suspects on Thursday night. Wright is being held on $500,000 bail. Figueroa and Leija are being held without bail. All three men are scheduled to appear at the San Fernando Courthouse on November 2. Ruiz is also being held without bail, though her specific court date has not yet been determined.

A separate fire occurred in the same neighborhood in late September. Local news reports indicated that blaze started in the 24000 block of Railroad Avenue near Market Street. Authorities have not yet determined if this second fire is connected to the August incident on Main Street. The investigation into the motive for the original blaze remains active. The sheriff’s department has not released specific details regarding why the suspects allegedly set the fire.

The August fire damaged the commercial core of the community. Residents and business owners have mourned the loss of the historic district. The damage totaled more than $13 million, affecting multiple businesses and the local theater. The four arrested individuals are currently in custody while detectives continue to gather evidence for the case.