Three Men Charged With Arson After Arlington Apartment Fire Injures 32

A fire broke out in the early morning of May 15 at garden-style apartments located at 1020 S. Quebec Street in Arlington, Virginia, affecting 32 residents and leading to several hospitalizations due to smoke inhalation. Firefighters rescued multiple occupants, some trapped on upper floors, using ladders. Evidence at the scene indicated the fire was suspicious, prompting a months-long criminal investigation by the Arlington County Fire Marshal's Office, Arlington Police, and other agencies, which uncovered strong evidence of arson. Three men—Marvin Adelso Hernandez Lopez, 18, Wilmer Agustin De Leon, 20, and Erasbiel Flores, 22—were arrested and charged with arson and conspiracy to commit arson; Hernandez Lopez also faces additional charges including possession of fake identification and firearms-related offenses. All three suspects are being held without bond at the Arlington County Detention Facility. Authorities have not disclosed a motive and continue to investigate, urging anyone with information to contact Arlington police.