IRVINE, CA (January 10, 2013):  On January 9, 2013, at approximately 8:30 p.m. Irvine Police Officers and the Orange County Fire Authority (OCFA) responded to a structure fire at the AXIS 2300 Luxury Apartments located at 2300 Dupont Drive at VonKarman Avenue.  There were multiple calls reporting smoke and possibly fire on the first floor in the leasing office.  The fire was quickly extinguished and damage was limited to the leasing office. There was no structural damage or injuries from the fire.

The residents had already begun to evacuate the building upon the arrival of emergency personnel.  During this time, one male resident returned to his apartment to retrieve his keys and found a suspect inside, apparently burglarizing his apartment.  During the confrontation, the suspect pepper sprayed the resident and fled. 

The suspect is described as a 25 to 35-year-old male with a dark complexion, possibly Hispanic or Middle-Eastern.  He is 5-09 to 6 feet tall with a heavy build and dark curly hair. He was wearing a black leather jacket, light blue jeans, tan shoes and carrying a black back pack. One witness indicated the suspect had a mole on one of his cheek.

There is a second subject of interest who was also seen in the area and may have information.  That subject is described as a 40 to 50-year-old male with a dark complexion and a white goatee. He was wearing a black beanie, black jacket, blue jeans and carrying an orange and black backpack.

The arson/burglary suspect is captured on security video attempting to set a fire under a couch in the leasing that burned out on its own. He is also seen 45 minutes later when he returns and sets the fire that caused the evacuation.

View Video here: http://bit.ly/U9gjav

Detectives believe the suspect then looked for an opportunity during the evacuation to enter an apartment and commit a burglary.  The victim returning unexpectedly prompted the assault. The investigation is on-going and detectives are working closely with other law enforcement agencies to determine if there may be additional arsons related to this case.

Anyone with information on the identity of either suspect is encouraged to call the Irvine Police Department Arson Investigator at 714-573-6712 or email Detective B. Miller at: bmiller@cityofirvine.org or via Orange County Crime Stoppers.

IRVINE POLICE DEPARTMENT
One Civic Center Plaza, Irvine, CA 92606
(949) 724-7000  www.irvinepd.org
"Working In Partnership with the Community"

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The City of Irvine has a population of more than 212,000, spans 65 square miles and is recognized as one of America's safest and most successful master-planned urban communities. Top-rated educational institutions, an enterprising business atmosphere, sound environmental stewardship, and respect for diversity all contribute to Irvine's enviable quality of life. This family-friendly city features more than 16,000 acres of parks, sports fields and dedicated open space and is the home of the Orange County Great Park – the first great metropolitan park of the 21st century.  For more information, please visit www.cityofirvine.org.