San Diego: Arsonist arrested for multiple arson fires

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

San Diego: Arsonist arrested for multiple arson fires

SAN DIEGO -- A man arrested last week in connection with several arson fires had a previous history of confrontations with San Diego Fire-Rescue Department personnel, authorities reported Monday.

San Diego Police and investigators with MAST, the Metro Arson Strike Team, arrested the man in connection with multiple arson fires earlier this month in the North Park area.
Police spokesperson, Mónica Muñoz identified the suspect as Joseph Benenati, 43, of University Heights.

Benenati was arrested at his residence without incident.
He was booked into San Diego Central Jail on 14 counts of arson, Muñoz said.

The arsonist set a total of 15 fires during the early morning hours of Sunday, April 5, 2009.
The worst damage was to a carport at 4536 Idaho St. that was ignited by a burning vehicle, he said. Damage was estimated at $10,000.

Investigators said Monday that a Crime Stoppers tip and surveillance video from a business near one of the arson fires were instrumental in making the arrest.

According to Fire Department officials, on April 3, 2009, Benenati was served with a 3 year injunction requested by the City of San Diego, requiring him to stay at least 100 yards away from personnel and facilities of the San Diego Fire-Rescue Department and San Diego Medical Services Enterprise, the City ambulance provider.

The legal action prompted after Benenati was involved in several confrontational incidents with ambulance personnel, one in which he brandished a weapon.
Benenati is scheduled for arraignment in San Diego Superior Court on Tuesday, April 14, 2009.

Source: News10 - Link

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Tuesday, April 14, 2009