Suspect Detained on Arson Allegations Following Vehicle Fire Near Airport
SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA — Law enforcement and fire personnel responded to a vehicle fire on Tuesday afternoon that resulted in the arrest of a man on felony arson and weapons charges.
Officers with
the San Luis Obispo Police Department and crews from the City of San Luis Obispo Fire Department were dispatched to the incident on Kendall, near the San Luis Obispo Airport, at approximately 1:48 p.m. on Oct. 20, 2026. Responding emergency responders located an unoccupied van fully engulfed in flames, which fire personnel proceeded to suppress.
During the emergency response, witnesses informed authorities that an adult male had fled the immediate area following the start of the blaze. A second witness subsequently reported observing the individual enter a nearby retail gas station.
Police officers responded to the commercial location and contacted a man matching the witness description, identified as 59 year old San Luis Obispo resident Mario Maya.
Following the investigation, officers arrested Maya and transported him to the San Luis Obispo County Jail. Maya was booked on suspicion of felony arson under California Penal Code 451(d) and carrying a concealed dirk or dagger under Penal Code 21310, under incident number 261020054.
