Shoppers at Ontario Mills faced a frightening situation Friday morning after multiple fires were deliberately set inside the popular outlet mall, prompting an immediate evacuation and a large emergency response.
According to the Ontario Police Department, officers and fire crews responded around 10:30 a.m. and discovered fires burning in several locations throughout the property. Witnesses described scenes of panic as smoke spread through parts of the mall, including inside a True Religion outlet, where one of the fires was reportedly ignited.
Authorities identified the suspect as Luis Javier Gallegos Jr., 28, of Rancho Cucamonga. Police said he was located inside a store and failed to comply with officers, leading to a use-of-force encounter before being taken into custody.
As a precaution, explosive detection K-9 teams swept the mall after reports the suspect was carrying a backpack. No explosives or additional threats were found. Firefighters quickly contained the flames, preventing further damage or injuries.
One officer sustained minor injuries during the incident and was treated at a nearby medical center.
The suspect has been booked at the West Valley Detention Center on an arson-related felony charge. Investigators are now working to determine a possible motive and whether the incident is connected to a recent warehouse fire in the area.
Police are urging anyone who may have been affected or has information to come forward as the investigation continues.
