One person is dead, another injured and a suspect is in custody following a house fire in Arroyo Grande Monday evening.
The fire was reported just after 6 p.m. in the 200 block of Spruce Street near Ash Street, drawing a significant first-responder and law enforcement response.
Police said a man and woman were inside the home at the time of the fire. The deceased man had injuries from both an assault and from the fire, police said.
The woman's injuries were sustained from an assault, police said. She was taken to a hospital. Her status is not known at this time.
The specific nature of their injuries is unclear.
The suspect taken into custody for allegedly starting the fire was found with a blowtorch, police said, and was attempting to start other fires as he fled.
Witness video reviewed by KSBY showed what appeared to be a man on the balcony of the residence, which was engulfed by flames. A law enforcement officer can be seen with his firearm raised at the man who was attempting to go over the side and onto the ground below.
KSBY spoke with a resident who said they knew the victims.
"I live down the street — right across from them — and I know the mother and the husband cause they do the daycare, and me and my sisters always walk with my nieces and we always see them," said Alicia Vargas, a neighbor. "I watched them try to bring him back to life. So it hurts, you know?
The 200 south block was shut down for hours Monday night.
Police said it is an ongoing investigation. They will provide updates as they learn more.
This article was updated Monday night to reflect the latest information. It remains a developing story.
