Man convicted of using gas can to cause O.C. motel room explosion
A Fountain Valley man was convicted this week of filling up a gasoline canister and using it to cause a fiery explosion in his motel room.
Thanh Van Quang, 39, was found guilty Wednesday of arson on an inhabited property and possession of a flammable material, according to the Orange County district attorney’s office. He has previous convictions for voluntary manslaughter, assault with a firearm and felony robbery.
Prosecutors say Quang had an argument with the manager of the Pueblo Motel in Santa Ana in November 2012 about bringing guests into his motel room.
“Approximately one hour after the argument, Quang walked to a nearby gas station, purchased a gasoline canister, and filled it with one gallon of gasoline before he returned to the motel,” according to the district attorney’s office.
A short time later, there was an explosion in his motel room that caused a fire that damaged his and other rooms.
Prosecutors said Quang was seen on surveillance video removing items from his room before the explosion.
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