Suspected serial arsonist, a 24-year-old woman, is arrested by Fullerton PD

Fullerton Police on Sunday arrested a woman suspected of setting numerous fires in the city.

Eun “Esther” Cha, 24, of Fullerton was taken into custody Feb. 19 by officers who were conducting surveillance and watched her attempt to start two fires in the 1200 block of North Gilbert Street, according to an FPD news release Monday, Feb. 20.

At 3:50 a.m. Sunday, Cha was unsuccessful in an attempt to set a fire in a trash dumpster, and then unsuccessful in trying to start a fire in bushes underneath an electrical panel attached to an apartment complex.

Officers arrested Cha on suspicion of arson and for possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia.

Since Sept. 1, there have been 28 fires in Fullerton that were deemed suspicious in nature or arson, with 14 of those fires occurring in the 1200 block of North Gilbert Street. The fires were set mostly during the overnight hours.

Esther Cha. FPD booking photo

Cha admitted to setting several fires in the area, the news release said.

Based on the evidence, investigators suspect Cha of setting the majority of the other fires as well.

Investigators from multiple units within the FPD worked around the clock, conducted surveillance and followed up on leads to make the arrest, Sgt. Jon Radus said in a statement.

Cha is being held in lieu of $1,000,000 bail.

The investigation is ongoing an anyone with information regarding these fires or Cha is encouraged to contact FPD Property Crimes Sergeant K. Hamel at 714-738-5336 or at khamel@fullertonpd.org. Those wishing to provide information anonymously can call Orange County Crime Stoppers at 855-TIP-OCCS or go to occrimestoppers.org.