Arrest Made in Recent Commercial Dumpster Fires and Structure Fires

Published: 04/25/2019

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

April 25, 2019

           

CONTACT: Ray Mendoza, Fire Investigator
[email protected]
Main: 951-351-6481
Direct: 951-826-5640
Cell: 951-538-5016
RiversideCA.gov/Fire

 

Arrest Made in Recent Commercial Dumpster Fires and Structure Fires

Over the past two months, the City of Riverside Fire Department has responded to numerous commercial dumpster fires and structure fires located in north/east end of the city. The fires were all suspicious in nature and The City of Riverside Fire Department’s Fire/Arson Investigations Unit began searching for the suspect. Utilizing our Task Force with the assistance of the Riverside Police Department Detectives and Patrol, we were able to identify our person of interest being Michael Zingarelli, a 55 year old resident of Riverside. The Fire/Arson Investigations Unit obtained an arrest warrant and while enroute to his last known address, witnessed the vehicle in question parked in dry brush on the 215 freeway. Mr. Zingarelli was found inside the vehicle with a small dog and numerous fuel cans in his possession.

The Fire/Arson Investigators made contact with Mr. Zingarelli, took him in to custody and he was booked into Robert Presley Detention Center on 4-23-19, on 4 counts of arson. The investigation will be ongoing to determine Mr. Zingarelli’s involvement with any additional fires within the city or surrounding jurisdictions. There was no harm found to his pet and the Fire/Arson Investigators were able to deliver Mr. Zingarelli’s dog to a family member to care for.

The City of Riverside Fire Department is committed to preserving and enhancing the quality of life for the citizens by protecting life, property, and the environment. The Fire Department maintains an investigations unit that is committed to providing high quality services, innovative leadership, and problem prevention, through highly trained, cross sworn professional investigators. The City of Riverside Fire Department encourages all citizens to report any and all information related to the cause of fires. Please call 1(800) 47-ARSON or www.wetip.com