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NewsMyNewsLAOctober 30, 2026Los Angeles County

Four Suspects Arrested for Arson in Connection with $13 Million Newhall Fire

Photo: MyNewsLA

Four individuals were arrested and booked on suspicion of arson and conspiracy in connection with an August fire that caused an estimated $13 million in damage and destroyed a historic commercial complex in Old Town Newhall. John Wright, Cristian Leija, Jesus Figueroa, and Antoinette Ruiz remained in custody following Thursday arrests across Los Angeles County. According to reporting by the Santa Clarita Signal cited in the article, Wright is the owner of one of the destroyed businesses and had recently faced an unpaid rent dispute.

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Why It Matters

The arrests bring four suspects into custody for a devastating fire that destroyed a 100-year-old historic business complex and several community staples in Santa Clarita, resulting in extensive property damage and an ongoing multi-agency investigation.

Key Facts

Each fact below is taken from the article. Click one to see the exact passage.

Who's Mentioned

OrganizationMAIN Theatre“Located in a historic structure more than 100 years old in Old Town Newhall”OrganizationNewhall Refinery“Located in the historic commercial complex in Old Town Newhall”PersonJesus Figueroa“Resident of Canyon Country, booked by Major Crimes Bureau investigators in San D”PersonCristian Leija“Resident of El Monte, jailed without bail at Santa Clarita Valley Station”OrganizationSanta Clarita Signal“Reported that Wright owned Gary's Collision Center and faced a recent court case”OrganizationLos Angeles County Fire Department“Responded to the fire with 112 firefighters and 58 pieces of apparatus”OrganizationGary’s Collision Center“Auto shop owned by suspect John Wright that burned in the blaze”OrganizationLos Angeles County Sheriff’s Department“Provided information regarding the arrests, bail amounts, and investigation deta”OrganizationHalsey’s Auto Shop“Auto shop run by Wright that experienced a fire on July 30, 2025”PersonJohn Wright“Owner of Gary's Collision Center, arrested by a sheriff's team, held on $500,000”PersonAntoinette Ruiz“Resident of El Monte, jailed without bail at Santa Clarita Valley Station”PersonKeith Navarre“Commented on the extent of the fire and the response scale”