Parolee Arrested On Suspicion Of Stealing Car, Setting It On Fire

SANTA MONICA, CA — A 28-year-old Los Angeles parolee was suspected of attempting to set a car on fire, and then setting another — a stolen vehicle — on fire, Santa Monica police said Wednesday night.

Alex Omar Aguirre was suspected of trying to set a vehicle on fire near 23rd and Dewey streets Tuesday about 2:15 p.m., police said. A victim reported that Aguirre was attempting to light an item stuffed in the gas tank of the victim's vehicle.

"Officers could see Aguirre leaning into the car window of a separate vehicle, rummaging through the contents of that car," police said in a statement. "Officers noticed that vehicle had smoke emitting from the inside compartment and immediately summoned for the Santa Monica Fire Department."

Officers detained Aguirre and spoke with the victim about what happened while firefighters extinguished the flames inside the burning, unreported stolen vehicle from Los Angeles, police said.

The victim told officers that he saw Aguirre trying to pick the lock of his vehicle before he confronted him. He also noticed that there was a burning rag stuffed into the filler of the gas tank. The victim was able to extinguish the fire before calling 9-1-1.

The victim watched as the suspect attempted to flee in the other vehicle he had ignited, however it appeared Aguirre was having trouble starting that car. Aguirre then exited the vehicle before officers detained him.

Aguirre was arrested on suspicion of attempted burglary, arson, grand theft auto and parole violation.

Anyone with any information related to this incident is encouraged to contact Detective David Chabot from Criminal Investigations Division of the Santa Monica Police Department at (310) 458-6679 or the Watch Commander (24 hours) at 310-458-8427