Police Arrest Suspect in Connection with Arson Investigation

Published on April 30, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Watch Commander

Phone: (626) 403-7297

Email: wc@southpasadenaca.gov

Subject: South Pasadena Police Arrest Suspect in Connection with Arson Investigation

South Pasadena, CA – On Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at approximately 11:26 p.m., the South Pasadena Police Department received multiple 911 calls reporting a possible tree fire in the 1300 block of Huntington Drive.

Responding officers located a small fire, which was determined to be isolated to patio furniture located adjacent to the reported area. The South Pasadena Fire Department responded promptly and extinguished the fire before it could spread further.

While canvassing the area, officers detained a subject later identified as Jairo Zachary Motino, 35, of Maywood, who was observed walking away from the location of the fire. Motino was found in possession of a lighter and other items considered to be of evidentiary value.

Following a thorough investigation, Motino was arrested for arson and transported to the Pasadena City Jail for booking. The case has been forwarded to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office for review and filing of formal charges.

Anyone with additional information about this incident is urged to call the South Pasadena Police Department at (626) 403-7265. If you would like to provide an anonymous tip, you can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477).