Arson suspect arrested for burning down his house

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Santa Maria, California – Deputies arrested a man for intentionally setting fire to his residence. On Monday, June 3, 2024, at approximately 11:05 a.m., officers responded to the 1400 block of Genoa Way for a report of a man breaking windows at a residence.

When deputies arrived, they noticed smoke coming from the residence and requested firefighters respond to a structure fire. Deputies learned the resident, Rockie Ginter, 52, had intentionally set the home on fire. While firefighters worked to extinguish the fire, police evacuated homes in the immediate vicinity and temporarily closed the road. Other deputies arrested and later arrested Ginter on charges of arson and vandalism. He will be booked into Northern Branch Jail later today. Reservation fees and deposit amount are pending.

No injuries were reported to the public or first responders. The suspect's residence was the only one to be damaged by the fire.