Suspicious Fire 

November 15, 2023 – Ventura County Sheriff’s Office officials report that an Ojai man was arrested for recklessly causing a fire to an inhabited structure and elder abuse.

On November 13th, 2023, deputies responded to a report of a structure fire in the 3900 block of Grand Ave in the unincorporated area of Ojai.

During the investigation Oatway, who resided at the residence, was identified as a subject of interest, and was contacted at a nearby residence.  Oatway was subsequently arrested for recklessly causing a fire to an inhabited structure.  Due to the fact one of the elderly residents were inside the residence at the time of the fire, Oatway was also arrested for elder abuse.

Although there was an arrest made in this case, the origin of the fire is still under investigation.  Anyone with information regarding the circumstances of the fire or witnesses are encouraged to contact Detective Boynton.

Nature of Incident: Suspicious Fire

Report Number: 23-145676

Location: 3900 Block of Grand Ave Ojai, CA

Date & Time: 11/13/23 @ 5:15 PM

Unit(s) Responsible: Ojai Police Department Patrol Services, Ventura County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Arson Investigator, Ojai Detective Bureau

Ventura County Crime Stoppers will pay up to $1,000 reward for information, which leads to the arrest and criminal complaint against the person(s) responsible for this crime.  The caller may remain anonymous.  The call is not recorded.  Call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-TIPS (8477).

Source: Ventura County Sheriff’s Office