Eureka police arrest dumpster fire arson suspect

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EUREKA, Ca. (KIEM) – A man suspected of starting dumpster fires in Eureka’s Old Town is in police custody tonight, but officials are not convinced the arson activity will stop. Our Dru Miller has been following this developing story, and has more.

PRESS RELEASE PROVIDED BY EUREKA POLICE DEPARTMENT:

As part of the investigation, businesses in the area were contacted and surveillance footage was reviewed. A possible suspect was quickly developed. He was described as wearing tan pants, a blue hooded jacket, black baseball cap and light colored shoes. 

At about 11:37 pm, a subject matching the suspect’s description was located on 4^th St at N St. The subject was identified as Paul Allen Aguilar (36 years old). A records check of Aguilar revealed that he was on active probation. Aguilar was also found to be in possession of drug paraphilia. He was taken into custody and transported to the Eureka Police Department to be interviewed and for evidential processing.  

As a result of the investigation, enough probable cause was developed to place Aguilar under arrest for the fire at 3^rd and Commercial Streets.

Aguilar was transported to the Humboldt County Correctional Facility (HCCF) and booked on charges of arson, possession of paraphernalia, and probation violation. Aguilar is being held on $55,000 bail.

Due to the similar nature and method of this fire to the string of recent dumpster fires, EPD Detectives will be working in collaboration with HBFD personnel to determine if Aguilar is also connected to those fires.

Anyone with information regarding the recent fires is urged to call the Eureka Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Section at 707-441-4300.