House fire in Montebello leaves one dead, authorities start arson investigation

"One person died and two others were critically injured in a house fire early Thursday in Montebello that police are now investigating for possible arson."

"About 4:30 a.m., Montebello police received a 911 call reporting a house fire in the 100 block of South 5th Street, Montebello Police Chief Luis Lopez said at a news conference from the scene Thursday morning. Further reports indicated "there was possibly somebody on fire," he said."

"When officers arrived, the home was on fire and a man and woman were outside the home with burns, he said. Officers then requested the fire department for help. The man, who had parked two blocks away from the home, tried to leave the scene despite his injuries but was stopped by officers, Lopez said."

"Detectives are now investigating if the fire was the result of domestic violence. The Montebello Police Department has several detectives and arson investigators working on the case, mentioning "suspicious circumstances" around the fire, according to a news release from the agency."

A house fire in the 100 block of South 5th Street in Montebello occurred around 4:30 a.m. Police received a 911 call reporting the fire and further reports suggested someone may have been on fire. When officers arrived, the home was burning and a man and a woman were outside with burns. Officers requested help from the fire department. The man, who had parked two blocks away, attempted to leave the scene despite his injuries but was stopped by officers. The man and woman were taken to the hospital and were listed in critical condition. Police are investigating suspicious circumstances and possible arson, including whether the fire was related to domestic violence. No victims were identified.

Read at Los Angeles Times