Executive Summary
- San Jose firefighters responded to four separate vehicle fires in the Willow Glen neighborhood on the morning of December 18.
- The fires occurred between 5:30 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. and are being investigated as arson.
- Surveillance footage captured a suspect on a bicycle appearing to ignite the vehicles.
- One victim reported her vehicle was destroyed just feet from her home, resulting in a total loss.
- The San Jose Fire Department’s Arson Unit is leading the investigation and seeking public tips.
SAN JOSE, Calif. – Local authorities are investigating a series of suspicious vehicle fires that occurred in the Willow Glen neighborhood of San Jose, resulting in significant property damage and prompting an ongoing search for a suspect captured on surveillance footage. The San Jose Fire Department confirmed that multiple arson incidents took place within a short timeframe on the morning of December 18.
According to the San Jose Fire Department, emergency crews responded to a total of four vehicle fires at different locations in the Willow Glen area between 5:30 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. One of the victims, January Villarreal, was alerted to the danger when a neighbor banged on her front door, warning her to evacuate as her vehicle burned in the driveway.
Villarreal reported that her car, a Toyota Rav4, was engulfed in flames less than two feet from her garage door. “I’ve lived here for going on seven years now, and I have never experienced anywhere near this level of crime,” Villarreal stated regarding the incident. She noted that she had recently paid off the vehicle, which was insured for liability rather than fire damage, leaving her without immediate recourse for a replacement.
Surveillance video obtained from a nearby residence depicts an individual riding a bicycle in the area that morning. The footage appears to show the subject holding an object used to ignite the vehicles. Investigators are currently reviewing this evidence to identify the perpetrator.
Investigative Outlook
The San Jose Fire Department’s Arson Unit has assumed jurisdiction over the case and is actively seeking information from the public. Authorities are focusing on the timeline of the fires and the surveillance footage to track the suspect’s movements through the neighborhood. Law enforcement officials urge anyone with relevant information to contact the department’s tip line. While the investigation is ongoing, no arrests have been publicly announced. It is important to note that any individuals identified as suspects during the course of the investigation are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
