Suspect for a string of arson fires in Hemet

Officers Identify & Arrest Arson Suspect from Surveillance Footage On Monday, October 19 th , Hemet Police and Hemet Fire responded to a string of dumpster fires on Florida Avenue, between San Jacinto St. and Yale St., in the early morning hours of 5:00 am and 6:00 am.

A short time later a local business owner provided Hemet Police with surveillance video depicting the suspect lighting a dumpster on fire.
 Officers recognized the suspect from previous contacts and began searching the area to locate the suspect. Approximately two hours into the search, officers located and arrested the suspect in the 1800 block E. Florida Ave.

Further investigation is being conducted by Hemet Officers, for additional charges regarding the dumpster fires related to this incident. The suspect was later transported to Riverside County Jail. Arrested: Christopher Smith 1/4/1993 City of Residence: Hemet Charges: Arson Bail: $5,000