Man Accused of Burglary, Arson, Resist Arrest by Setting Vacant Home On Fire

A man was arrested Sunday on suspicion of burglary, arson and resisting arrest by setting a vacant home on fire, Banning police said Monday in a statement.

Jose Isidro Alvarez, 22, of Banning, was locked up Monday at Smith Correctional in south Banning, according to inmate records.

An incident that led up to Alvarez' arrest was reported just after 5 p.m. Sunday.

Banning police were called to Chelo's Taco Shop at 1987 W. Ramsey St. regarding a suspicious subject.

"Officers were told that a Hispanic male was acting strange and throwing rocks and objects at vehicles and people in the area," Banning police said.

Before police arrived, the suspect jumped into a back yard at 98 N. 21st St., and officers spotted the suspect inside the vacant residence, police said.

"The suspect was ordered to come out but refused and barricaded himself inside," police said. "While Officers awaited the arrival of a Police K-9, they noticed smoke coming from inside the residence."

The man stayed in the burning residence several minutes and then came out through a front window, where he was taken into custody, police said.

Several Cal Fire engine crews responded to put out the fire, which severely damaged the residence, police said.

Cal Fire arson investigators also arrived on scene to assist with the arson investigation, police said.

The suspect, identified Alvarez, was treated at San Gorgonio Memorial Hospital in Banning and then booked at Smith Correctional. He remained behind bars Monday and his bail was listed at $50,000, according to inmate records.

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