Vehicles Set On Fire In Contra Costa: 2 Arrests Made

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA — Authorities in Contra Costa County on Monday announced the arrests of two people accused of arson in connection with two separate vehicle fires last week, one in Antioch and another in Martinez.

Around 10 a.m. Thursday, Contra Costa County Fire Protection District crews responded to a vehicle fire on Auto Center Drive in Antioch.

After a preliminary investigation, fire officials concluded the fire had been intentionally set, and based on surveillance video, they were able to get a suspect vehicle description. Antioch police were then able to find the suspect vehicle and pull it over.

Police initially detained all four people inside, but eventually arrested Lisa St. Onge, 39, on suspicion of arson.

Later that day, around 6:30 p.m., firefighters responded to a separate fire involving two burning vehicles on the shoulder of westbound state Highway 4 in Martinez.

California Highway Patrol officers were able to detain a man near the fires, identified as Milan Popich, 39. After an investigation, authorities were able to then conclude Popich had intentionally set the two fires and arrested him on suspicion of arson.

Both Popich and St. Onge have been booked into the Contra Costa County Detention Facility in Martinez.

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--Bay City News