Crime & Safety
Arson Suspect Arrested In Santa Cruz
Three similar fires are under investigation in Santa Cruz. A man was arrested on suspicion of one of them.
SANTA CRUZ, CA — A man was arrested Wednesday morning on suspicion of arson after a trash can fire was extinguished last week, police said.
Michael Eaton, 42, was seen on surveillance footage starting a fire that the Santa Cruz Fire Department responded to last Wednesday afternoon, in a business complex at 1414 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz police said in a statement.
Two similar fires are under investigation in the area, police said. Officers are working to obtain surveillance footage that could help determine whether Eaton played a role in those arsons, police said.
Find out what's happening in Santa Cruzfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Eaten was spotted by police in the 100 block of Beach Street around 10 a.m. Wednesday, arrested and booked into Santa Cruz County Jail.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Richard Boolootian at 831-420-5839 or leave information on the crime tip line at 831-420-5995.
Find out what's happening in Santa Cruzfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
