Target store arson suspect arrested in Lake Elsinore

A Lake Elsinore man was arrested on suspicion of intentionally setting a fire inside the Target store in Menifee, causing an estimated $11.3 million in damages.

Abel Arizmendi, 30, is being held without bail in the Southwest Detention Center and faces charges including five counts of arson, robbery by force or fear, possession of a stolen vehicle, fraudulent use of a credit card, and possession of stolen property, according to a Riverside County Fire Department news release. He has a Feb. 14 court date in Murrieta.

The structure fire occurred Jan. 22 at the Target store in the 30000 block of Haun Road. First responders located an active fire in the men’s department. The fire was determined to be intentionally set.

The investigation revealed information about the suspect’s mode of transportation and his whereabouts before and after the fire. Cal Fire peace officers served a search warrant at the suspect’s residence. Additional evidence was discovered there.

The original police report from Menifee Police Department indicated the fire was set as a diversion while the suspect stole property from another part of the store. The Target has been closed since the incident and is expected to reopen later this month.