San Francisco Police Arrest Suspected Richmond Playground Arsonist

San Francisco police arrested 29-year-old Joseph Martinez in connection with a series of suspicious fires in the Outer Richmond neighborhood, including multiple playground fires at Lafayette Elementary School and Lincoln Park. Martinez was apprehended by plainclothes officers after being seen igniting objects in Balboa Natural Area park, near La Playa and Balboa streets, where a large fire was observed and extinguished by firefighters. He faces charges including arson, possession of an incendiary device with intent to set fire, possession of methamphetamine, and possession of drug paraphernalia. While Martinez has not yet been officially linked to all the recent playground fires under investigation, the San Francisco Police Department and Fire Department continue to work jointly through their Arson Task Force to probe these incidents. The community has expressed concern over the repeated acts of arson, prompting petitions to rebuild and better protect affected playgrounds. Authorities urge anyone with information to contact the police to aid ongoing investigations.