Oxnard Police Detain Arson Suspect They Describe As 'Combative'

OXNARD (CBSLA.com) — Authorities have announced the arrest of a "combative" arson suspect in Oxnard they say they caught red-handed.

An officer patrolling the 1600 block of East Fifth Street on Saturday said they saw a man apparently fanning a fire near a tree alongside some railroad tracks around 10:40 a.m.

Officials later identified the suspect as 40-year-old Eduardo Hernandez.

The arresting officer said that he tried to make contact with Hernandez who tried to flee. The officer also said Hernandez "became uncooperative" and "ultimately became combative."

Police said after a lengthy struggle, Hernandez was apprehended with the help of a K-9 unit.

No officers were injured in the fight.

Hernandez was taken to the Ventura County Medical Center for treatment of his injuries which were undisclosed.

Authorities said the subject has an extensive drug history and was recently arrested for another arson in Oxnard.

Hernandez will be charged with arson, resisting arrest and threatening a police officer, said officials.

Oxnard Police asked anyone with information about this incident (including witnesses) to call them at (805) 385-7740.