Brandon Glasgo, a 34-year-old man who worked as a poker dealer at a San Diego-area casino, was arrested and charged with multiple counts of arson after investigators linked him to a string of fires that prompted evacuations in the Sorrento Valley area, authorities announced.
Background
The investigation into the fires began when multiple blazes broke out over several weeks in the Sorrento Valley corridor, a commercial and residential area north of downtown San Diego. Fire officials responded to reports of suspicious flames at multiple locations, including commercial buildings and open spaces near residential neighborhoods. No injuries were reported, but the fires caused significant damage and forced evacuations of nearby businesses and homes.
Witnesses told investigators they observed a man smoking cigarettes in the vicinity of the fires shortly before they ignited. Detectives reviewed security footage from area businesses and combined that with physical evidence collected at the fire scenes to identify Glasgo as a suspect, according to court documents.
The Charges
Glasgo was booked into San Diego County Jail on five counts of arson of inhabited property and wildland areas, along with one count of possession of materials to make a destructive device. Prosecutors allege he intentionally set multiple fires over a six-week period in the spring.
The San Diego Police Department Arson Unit worked alongside the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (Cal Fire) on the investigation. The case has been referred to the San Diego County District Attorney's Office for prosecution.
Glasgo remains held without bail pending arraignment, which is scheduled for later this month in San Diego Superior Court.
Key Takeaways
- Glasgo worked as a poker dealer at a casino before his arrest
- Five counts of arson filed against him, connected to fires in the Sorrento Valley area
- Investigation involved review of security footage and physical evidence from multiple fire scenes
- No injuries reported, but significant property damage occurred
- Case being prosecuted by San Diego County District Attorney's Office
What's Next
Glasgo is scheduled for arraignment in San Diego Superior Court later this month. Prosecutors have indicated they plan to seek an elevated bail amount given the nature of the charges and potential danger to the community. The investigation remains active, and authorities have not ruled out additional charges or connections to other unsolved fires in the region.