32 year old San Luis Obispo Transient arrested for Arson
MEDIA RELEASE
WHAT: Arrest for Arson
WHERE: 201 Madonna Rd. San Luis Obispo
WHEN: July 26, 2016 6:05 am
ARRESTED: Mario FURTADO, 32 year old San Luis Obispo transient
DEPARTMENT CONTACT: Lieutenant John Bledsoe
On July 26, 2016 at approximately 6:05 am, San Luis Obispo Police Officers and Fire Department Personnel responded to the 200 block of Madonna Road for the report of a dumpster and two trash cans that were lit on fire. About 30 minutes after responding to the scene a SLO PD officer detained Mario FURTADO who was still in the area. The initial investigation led officers to believe Furtado was responsible for setting these fires. While checking nearby businesses officers found surveillance video which captured a subject resembling Furtado starting the fires in the dumpster and trash cans. At this time Furtado was taken into custody for arson. No other suspects were believed to be involved in this incident.
The San Luis Obispo Police Department is currently investigating dozens of arson fires that have been set over the course of the last two years. At this point in the investigation it is unknown if Furtado is responsible for any other arson fires. Police and Fire Investigators are continuing to follow up on leads and information to find the person or persons responsible for setting these fires.
He was booked into San Luis Obispo County jail for Arson (PC 451) with his bail set at $50,000.00. Anyone with information regarding this, or any of the arsons is asked to call the San Luis Obispo Police Department or Crime Stoppers.
FURTADO, MARIO
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Prepared by: Lieutenant John Bledsoe
DR#: 160726011
Date/Time: 7-26-16/ 1000
Typed by: J. Bledsoe
Address/Location
San Luis Obispo Police Department
1042 Walnut Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 805-781-7337