East County News Service
July 21, 2023 (Lemon Grove) – 
The Sheriff’s Bomb/Arson unit is investigating a fire that occurred at Grove Motel in the 8000 block of Broadway in Lemon Grove. Deputies on patrol noticed smoke coming from the motel and found a unit fully engulfed in flames.
Heartland Fire and Rescue arrived to fight the fire, evacuating several nearby units as a precaution.
“Witnesses reported hearing a loud banging sound coming from the unit that was on fire, as well as seeing the occupant leaving minutes prior to the fire, “says Sergeant Anthony Portillo with the Sheriff’s Bomb/Arson unit, which is investigating the cause and origin of the fire.
There were no injuries reported.
Carlos Antonio Landa, 39, has been arrested and charged with arson in the Lemon Grove motel fire. Landa is also charged with assault and arson-related charges in a separate incident in San DIego, according to Sergeant Anthony Portillo with the San DIego Sheriff’s Department. His bail has been set at $250,000.
The Sheriff's Bomb/Arson Unit is a regional resource that investigates fires involving suspicious circumstances, serious injuries and death.
This story has been updated with the arrest of suspect and information on charges filed.