Ventura County Sheriff Department – Incident Press Release
On March 2nd, Sheriff’s deputies and detectives from the Fillmore Police Department identified and arrested 32-year old Eric Manzano after determining he was responsible for setting at least one fire in the city of Fillmore.
During the last three months, the city of Fillmore has experienced a rash of fires to trash cans, porta potties, a shopping cart and three structures. These incidents occurred during the late night and early morning hours. The incidents were deemed to be suspicious in nature and all resulted in minor damage.
In the early morning hours on March 2nd, another fire was reported to a building at the Fillmore Historical Society, located at 350 Main Street. Detectives responded to investigate and discovered video footage captured a subject approach the building at approximately 3:30 AM. The images captured the suspect’s face and distinctive attire. Additionally, the surveillance video captured the suspect’s attempt to light a fire in several places on the building.
The surveillance video was shared with patrol deputies assigned to the Fillmore Police Department. Later that evening, an observant deputy saw Manzano in a public place and noticed he appeared to match the description of the suspect in the video. The deputy initiated a conversation with Manzano and detectives who were in the area investigating the arsons responded to assist in the contact and confirmed Manzano was the subject captured in the video. Furthermore, a search of Manzano found him in possession of items that linked him to the crime. Deputies also noticed that he displayed signs of drug use and they determined he was under the influence of a controlled substance and in possession of drug paraphernalia. He was arrested for arson and drug related charges.
The investigation into the previous arsons is ongoing and Manzano remains a suspect in these crimes. The Fillmore Police Department is seeking the public’s help with information concerning the fires that occurred throughout the city between December and March.
Anyone with any information about these crimes is encouraged to contact Det. Meixner at (805) 947-9391.
Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for these crimes. The caller may remain anonymous. The call is not recorded. Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).
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