Details Emerge In Flare Gun-Related Arson As Inland Empire Police Seek Additional Victims

FONTANA, CA — A man thought to be responsible for multiple arson-related incidents in the Inland Empire was arrested, according to the Fontana Police Department. Now, police are seeking other victims of similar arson or attempted arson attacks.

Bernardo Gonzalez Soberanis, 35, was arrested in connection with multiple arson-related incidents involving the discharge of flare guns at occupied residences, according to Fontana Police Sgt. Nathan Weiske. He was booked at West Valley Detention Center on suspicion of committing arson, shooting at an Inhabited Dwelling, and Possession of a firearm as a Prohibited Person.

On November 12, 2025, a 911 caller called Fontana Police to the 7800 block of Wasabi Way after discovering a Molotov cocktail had been thrown at their residence.

"Surveillance footage captured a male suspect on an electric bicycle (E-Bike) firing what appeared to be a flare gun at the residence the previous evening at the same time as the object's throwing.

Three days later, officers responded to reports of smoke and a small fire after a flare gun flare struck the side of a home in the 13600 block of Crawford Court.

The flare collided with the home while a resident was inside, according to police.

"A male suspect on a beach cruiser-style bicycle was captured on video surveillance firing the flare. Investigators learned the same home had a Molotov cocktail thrown into its backyard on October 18, 2025."

The incidents occurred in close proximity and shared similar methods, prompting Detectives to link the cases.

"A patrol officer recognized the suspect’s bicycle and clothing from prior contacts," Weiske said.

Officers and Detectives located Gonzalez Soberanis trespassing at a vacant property in the City of Fontana, where they recovered a beach cruiser bicycle and clothing matching surveillance footage, three loaded flare guns, multiple live rounds of flare ammunition, and narcotic paraphernalia.

Detectives later served a search warrant at a storage unit rented by Gonzalez Soberanis and located an E-bike matching the November 11th incident, and another flare gun.

Now, authorities are seeking additional victims.

Detectives believe there may be additional victims. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective J. Patty or Sergeant A. Davis with the Fontana Police Department Investigations Unit at:
JPATTY@FONTANACA.GOV / 909-356-3391 ADAVIS@FONTANACA.GOV / 909-854-8152.