SAN FRANCISCO (KRON) – A man has been found guilty after a jury trial of a two-week string of arson attacks in February 2024 in which he set fire to several cars, including two Tesla Model Ys and a Cadillac Escalade, prosecutors announced Friday.
Armando Salvador, 63, was found guilty of eight counts of burning another’s property and two counts of unlawfully causing a fire, according to San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins.
The first arson incidents began at 6 a.m. on February 18, 2024, according to prosecutors. Salvador began his fire spree in Campton Place where he set fire to a Cadillac Escalade followed by five other cars in the area of Geary and O’Farrell Streets.
One week later, prosecutors said Salvador set fire to two Tesla Model Ys at the intersections of Mabini and Bonifacio streets, Shipley Street and Fourth Street.
“These fires were so large that two other cars parked nearby also burned,” the prosecutor’s office said.
The total amount of damage caused was not disclosed.
Salvador was identified thanks to several videos collected by the San Francisco Fire Department through the Union Square Alliance and submitted by residents.
“This case demonstrates how public safety agencies working with community partners can keep our neighborhoods safe for residents, workers and visitors,” SFDA Jenkins said.
Salvador remains in custody awaiting sentencing on October 27.
“I would like to thank the San Francisco Fire Department for their quick response in extinguishing these fires before they could cause additional damage,” Assistant District Attorney N Ta Tu added.