Authorities Search For Armed Woman Suspected Of Setting Perris Fires

PERRIS, CA — A woman allegedly ignited several small fires in Perris Thursday, prompting a search for the suspected arsonist.

The blazes were reported about 10:45 a.m. Thursday in the area of West Seventh Street and Shawnee Road, according to Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department.

The agency said that the suspect, whose identity was not immediately known, was spotted by witnesses igniting the fires, one of which was a 20-by-20- foot spot, and fleeing.

She was armed with a knife.

Sheriff's deputies and firefighters converged on the area minutes later, and the fires were quickly extinguished. No structures were damaged.

Deputies and Cal Fire arson investigations initiated a search for the suspect, with the help of a sheriff's STAR-9 helicopter crew.

As of 11:30 a.m., the search was still underway.