Golden State Today

On June 3, 2024, deputies in Santa Maria, California, arrested a man for allegedly setting fire to his own residence. At approximately 11:05 a.m., deputies responded to the 1400-block of Genoa Way following reports of a male subject breaking the windows of a house.

Upon arrival, deputies observed smoke emanating from the residence and requested fire department assistance for what was identified as a structure fire. Investigations revealed that the resident, 52-year-old Rockie Ginter, had intentionally set the house on fire. While firefighters worked to extinguish the blaze, deputies evacuated nearby homes and temporarily closed the roadway.

Additional deputies detained and subsequently arrested Ginter on charges of arson and vandalism. He is expected to be booked at the Northern Branch Jail later today; details regarding booking charges and bail amount are still pending.

No injuries were reported among the public or first responders. The suspect’s residence was the only property damaged by the fire.