Suicide Attempt Ends With Arson Arrest

Fire investigators arrested a Buena Park man Saturday morning after he set fire to his single-bedroom apartment in an aborted suicide attempt, according to the Orange County Fire Authority.

Tenant Marlon Alvarez reportedly told investigators that he set fire to his small “granny flat” about 10:30 a.m., according to Orange County Fire Capt. Stephen Miller. Alvarez told investigators that he intended to kill himself in the blaze, but thought better of the idea and bolted from the flames to a nearby yard, authorities said.

The apartment unit, stood behind a larger family residence in the 6800 block of Naomi Avenue. The fire quickly consumed the structure as Alvarez and neighbors looked on.

Firefighters had much of the blaze under control within 15 minutes, however, the roof caved in 15 minutes later.

Neither Alvarez nor anyone else was injured by the fire.

Alvarez discussed the incident with fire investigators and allegedly admitted his plan. He was arrested by the investigators and booked on suspicion of arson.

Authorities estimated the damage to be roughly $50,000, and said none of the adjacent structures were damaged.