Crime
Arson suspect Jose Carranza-Escobar arrested at Pioneer Park in Azusa
Brush fire incident at Pioneer Park leads to Arrest On Friday, January 10, 2025 at approximately 11:37pm, officers were dispatched to Pioneer Park, located at 1360 N. Dalton Ave., in response to a reported brush fire.
Upon arrival, a witness alerted officers that the individual responsible for igniting the fire was still at the scene.ย
Officers located the adult male suspect, identified as Jose Carranza-Escobar,ย a transient, with a last known address in Azusaย standing next to the flames.
Officers quickly detained Carranza as Los Angelesย County Fire arrived to extinguish the fire.ย ย
Los Angeles County Firefighters quickly extinguished the fire.ย During the investigation, Carranza admitted to starting the fire and was arrested for Arson.
He was subsequently booked at the Azusa Police Departmentย Jail and is currently being held in custody.
City of Azusa Public Works along with Azusa Light and Water are currently assessing the damage caused by the fire.
The investigation is ongoing.ย Azusa PD urges everyone to remain alert as fires continue to affect the county. We must be cautious of individuals who may enter our community with the intent to start fires.ย ย
The Azusa Police Department has staffed extra officers on duty due to the ongoing fire situation.ย ย
We are taking a โzero toleranceโ stance on these types of criminal acts.ย ย The Azusa PD will continue to work with the Los Angeles County Sheriffโs Department, Los Angeles County Fire Department, the California Army National Guard and all of our partner agencies to ensure our communityโs and residentsโ safety.ย ย
This investigation will be presented promptly to the Los Angeles County District Attorneyโs Office for consideration of filing on all applicable criminal charges.ย ย
Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Azusa Police Department at 626-812-3200 or to submit an anonymous tip to Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477).
SAN JOSE, Calif. โ A San Jose police officer was shot and injured while investigating an armed carjacking in the downtown area on Wednesday, according to the San Jose Police Department (SJPD).
Authorities said the incident unfolded near the downtown core, close to major roadways including Highway 87 and the Julian Street exit.
Preliminary information indicates the suspect was involved in a series of violent events spanning multiple jurisdictions prior to the shooting.
Investigators believe the suspect initially stole a white Honda in Hollister, after abandoning a green Chevrolet Corvette.
During the course of the incident, the suspect allegedly fired shots at pursuing law enforcement officers, prompting a high-speed pursuit.
Police said the chase continued northbound on U.S. Highway 101, with speeds reportedly exceeding 100 miles per hour, traveling from Gilroy to San Jose. The pursuit ultimately led officers into the downtown area, where the officer-involved shooting occurred.
SJPD confirmed that a sworn department member was struck by gunfire and was transported to a local hospital. The officerโs condition has not been publicly disclosed at this time.
In a statement released on social media, the department said:
โSJPD is currently investigating an officer-involved shooting that occurred in downtown San Jose related to an armed carjacking. An SJPD sworn Department member has been shot and transported to a local hospital. This is an active and ongoing investigation, and PIOs will share more information as it becomes available.โ
As of Wednesday afternoon, police had not confirmed whether any suspects were in custody, nor had they indicated whether any civilians were injured during the incident.
The shooting took place in an area that includes government buildings, businesses, and major transit hubs, leading to temporary traffic disruptions and a heightened police presence.
The investigation remains active and ongoing, and additional details are expected to be released by authorities as more information becomes available.