A Lake Elsinore man was sentenced to 23 years in prison on Monday for intentionally setting a fire last year at a Target store in Menifee that caused millions of dollars in damage, according to a news release from the Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department.
Abel Arizmendi Jr., who is a convicted felon, pleaded guilty in Superior Court to two arson-related charges and a third count of committing a crime with a previous strike on record.
Superior Court Judge John Monterosso certified the terms of a plea deal and imposed Arizmendi Jr’s sentence at a hearing at the Southwest Justice Center in Murrieta on Monday. Monterosso signed the prison commitment order on Tuesday morning.
On Jan. 22, 2023, Arizmendi Jr. ignited an unknown device and placed it in a trash can in the men’s section of the Target store.
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The fire was reported at about 7:30 a.m. at 30340 Haun Road. Employees helped put out the fire and evacuated.
“The fire started in the trashcan and quickly spread to nearby clothing and parts of the building, resulting in substantial damage,” Cal Fire/Riverside said. Damage from the fire amounted to $11.7 million, authorities said.
Multiple engine and truck crews spent hours putting out the blaze. No injuries were reported.
Cal Fire investigators spent about a week collecting evidence, which ultimately pointed to Arizmendi Jr., leading to his arrest on Jan. 31, 2023.
Arizmendi’s motive remains unknown.
Court records show he has prior convictions for felony evading, assault with a deadly weapon and auto theft.
Cal Fire/Riverside said residents may anonymously report any incidents to the Arson Hotline at 800-633-2836.
City News Service contributed to this story.
