Suspected arsonist arrested after fire at Redwood City apartment building

By KTVU Staff and Zak Sos

Suspected arsonist arrested after fire at Redwood City apartment building

A 35-year-old man was arrested on Saturday night for allegedly setting a fire at a Redwood City apartment building.

The Brief

• • Redwood City fire and police department units were sent just before 7:55 a.m. on Saturday to the apartment in the 1300 block of Marshall Street.
  • All residents were evacuated from the building, and firefighters were able to douse the blaze.
  • 35-year-old Eliaser Hernandez-Valadez of Redwood City was arrested on suspicion of arson after he had returned to the burnt apartment building.

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. – A 35-year-old man was arrested on Saturday night for allegedly setting a fire at a Redwood City apartment building.

Redwood City fire and police department units were sent just before 7:55 a.m. on Saturday to the apartment in the 1300 block of Marshall Street on reports of flames showing from the building, according to the RCPD.

When firefighters entered the apartment where the fire began, they say two separate parts of the unit were on fire.    

“There was a bedroom with a mattress on fire, and then another bit of fire in the other room,” said Redwood City Fire Department Battalion Chief Geoffrey Balton.

All residents were evacuated from the building, and firefighters were able to douse the blaze.

No injuries were reported in the fire, but three units at the apartment building were damaged.

Investigators from the police and fire department learned the fire may have been “intentionally set,” and later arrested Eliaser Hernandez-Valadez of Redwood City after he had returned to the burnt apartment building.

Hernandez-Valadez was booked into the Maguire Correctional Facility on suspicion of arson and reckless burning, and San Mateo County jail records indicated he was being held in jail without bail for allegedly violating conditions of his probation.

Hernandez-Valadez is scheduled to appear in court on Monday afternoon.

Anyone with information on the fire was asked to contact the RCPD at 650-780-7100.

Mesa man arrested after police say he set fire to estranged wife’s apartment

Police say multiple witnesses saw the man leave the victim’s apartment as the fire broke out.

Credit: 12News

Author: Kevin Broshek

Published: 8:47 PM MDT October 13, 2025

Updated: 8:49 PM MDT October 13, 2025

MESA, Ariz. — A man is in custody after Mesa police said he intentionally set fire to his estranged wife’s apartment early Monday morning.

>> Download the 12News app for the latest local breaking news straight to your phone. 

Just after 3 a.m., officers responded to the 1000 block of Longmore—near Southern Avenue and Alma School Road—to assist Mesa Fire and Medical Department crews with a structure fire. Firefighters quickly contained and extinguished the flames, but several nearby apartments were evacuated as a precaution.

Police said no major injuries were reported, although some residents were treated for smoke inhalation at the scene.

Investigators identified the suspect as 38-year-old Richard Maez. According to police, Maez does not live at the apartment, but was seen by multiple witnesses leaving the unit where the fire started as it broke out.

Officers detained Maez at the scene and later arrested him in connection with the fire.

Authorities have not released additional details about the extent of the damage or possible charges. The investigation is ongoing.

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