Man Accused Of Setting 2 Fires Near East County Freeway

LEMON GROVE, CA — A man was arrested Monday on suspicion of setting two fires near state Route 94 in East County, authorities said.

Austin Francis, 35, was arrested on two counts of arson after witnesses reported seeing a man running from both fire scenes, according to the San Diego County Sheriff's Office.

Deputies responded around 12:30 p.m. to a fire near eastbound SR-94 and Massachusetts Avenue in Lemon Grove. As firefighters worked to extinguish the flames, witnesses reported seeing a man fleeing the area and provided deputies with video footage.

A short time later, a second fire was reported west of the first location. Witnesses again reported seeing a man matching the same description running from the scene and onto the freeway.

Deputies searched the area and found Francis hiding underneath a truck, authorities said. Witnesses reported seeing him wearing a ski mask and discarding clothing in an apparent attempt to change his appearance.

The first fire burned an area approximately 30 yards long and 75 yards wide, while the second burned an area about 150 yards long and 10 yards wide.

Deputies found a lighter in Francis' jacket pocket and a glass pipe commonly used to smoke methamphetamine among his belongings, according to the sheriff's office.

While at the Lemon Grove Sheriff's Substation, Francis attempted to kick a deputy several times, officials said. The deputy was not injured.

Francis also faces charges of resisting an officer, possession of drug paraphernalia and disguising his appearance to evade law enforcement. He will be booked into San Diego Central Jail, officials said.

The Sheriff's Bomb/Arson Unit is assisting with the investigation.

Anyone with information was asked to call the sheriff's office at 858-868-3200 or San Diego County Crime Stoppers anonymously at 888-580-8477.