Full Notification

On 10/17/16 at about 2:05pm the Chula Vista Fire Department and Chula Vista Police Officers responded to a report of a structure fire at 1067 Fourth Avenue. This is a 2 story multi-unit apartment complex with several buildings. Upon arrival witnesses reported a white male adult ran from the building where the fire occurred. Other witness heard an explosion. A short time later, officers located and detained a suspect with burn injuries. The suspect initially lied to officers, providing false names. However, they were able to positively identify him as David Wasson, 32 years old.

WASSON claimed he was cooking when the fire occurred. As a result, his shirt caught fire and he threw it on gasoline containers before fleeing the apartment. A neighbor attempting to extinguish the fire was later medically treated for smoke inhalation. Neighboring tenants were evacuated. A law enforcement records check of WASSON revealed he had a no bail felony arrest warrant. WASSON was also found in
possession of methamphetamine, heroin and ammunition. He was taken to UCSD for treatment of his injuries and later booked into San Diego County Central Jail for the outstanding warrants.

While Chula Vista Fire Suppression was in the apartment they noticed suspicious items. CVFD Fire Inspectors along with Chula Vista Police Arson and Property Crimes Detectives responded. In addition, a Special Agent from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) responded to assist. San Diego County Hazmat also responded for a safety evaluation of the apartment. They confirmed the existence of possible explosive devices. The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department Bomb/Arson Unit responded to render them safe.
During the subsequent search and investigation, CVPD Detectives found Molotov cocktails, ammunition, and gasoline in the apartment. There was also an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) and manufactured “zip” guns. At this time, the cause of the fire has been classified as “undetermined”.

Approximately 20 tenants in WASSON’s building have since been displaced from their homes due to the smoke/fire damage. The estimated monetary damage to the building is about $225,000.

At this time, WASSON has NOT been identified as being involved with any criminal or terrorist organization. He was later booked with the following additional charges:

_ 18715(a)(5) PC/ Possession of an explosive/destructive device (IED)
_ 18710(a) PC/ Possession of a destructive device (Molotov cocktail)
_ 33600 PC/ Possession and manufacture of a Zip gun
_ 529(a)(3) PC/ Personate to make others liable
_ 11350(a) HS/ Possession of narcotics
_ 11377(a) HS/ Possession of controlled substance