Yuma, Arizona. – On Wednesday, February 8, 2023, just after 5:00 a.m., a fire was reported at the Pepperwood Apartments, 1860 South 3rd Avenue. Upon arrival, Yuma Fire Department personnel found heavy smoke and fire coming from a second floor apartment.
According to a release made by Sergeant Lori Franklin, Firefighters were quickly able to bring the fire under control. The apartment sustained significant fire and smoke damage.
The apartment where the fire started had recently been vacated and no one was currently living in it. It was in a block of eight apartments and all other occupants were able to evacuate safely. The first floor apartment also sustained some fire and smoke damage and was not able to be reoccupied. Some of the other apartments were left without power.
Fire investigators determined the fire to have been intentionally set.
At approximately 7:25 a.m., YFD requested the assistance of the Yuma Police Department Investigations Unit. The YPD Investigations Unit arrived at the scene and the investigation led to the arrest of 19 year old Joseph Perez. Perez was booked for Arson of an Occupied Structure.
There were no reported injuries in reference to this case.
The Yuma Police Department encourages anyone with any information about this case to please call the Yuma Police Department at (928) 783-4421 or 78-CRIME at (928) 782-7463 to remain anonymous.