Man Accused Of Trying To Torch Relative Arrested In OC

ORANGE COUNTY, CA — A man was scheduled to be arraigned Wednesday on charges of pouring lighter fluid on a relative and trying to set her on fire in an Anaheim motel.

Robert Meza, 66, is charged with attempted murder, a count of criminal threats, two counts of attempt to burn, a count of possession of flammable material, a count of attempted criminal threats with intent to terrorize, a count of vandalism, and a count of resisting arrest — all felonies, according to court records.

He also faces a sentencing enhancement for attempted premeditated murder.

According to Anaheim police, Meza was staying at the Days Inn by Wyndham Anaheim Near the Park, 800 S. Beach Blvd., on Saturday with a relative. He was visiting from out-of-state, police said.

Meza is accused of dousing the woman with lighter fluid and trying to set her on fire as well as threatening another woman with a screwdriver at about 5:15 p.m. Saturday, according to the criminal complaint.

City News Service contributed to this report.