On January 19, at about 4 p.m.
Officers responded to a radio call for service in the 1400 block of 2nd Street of an arson just occurred. The reporting party indicated the suspect had set trash on fire in city-owned trash can. As officers were responding, a second trashcan was set on fire. Santa Monica Fire Department also responded. Officers found the contents in the trash cans to be completely burnt. As officers were investigating, a suspect matching the description was located. Several witnesses were able to positively identify the suspect. The suspect was taken into custody. A search of the suspect revealed a lighter in his pockets. Alan Anthony Huerta, 40, homeless was arrested for arson.
Originally published in the Santa Monica Daily Press print edition on January 31, 2017. Read the original PDF.