The incident occurred near the 2700 block of Mesa Verde Drive East at approximately 8:30 p.m. Monday. Investigators say the man stole his ex-girlfriend's garage door opener, and then punched a hole through the drywall of a shared garage belonging to a neighbor.
He then allegedly climbed inside the neighbor's garage and set it on fire.
The residents were home at the time, saw the garage was on fire, and called 911. The suspect fled and evaded police.
Fortunately, no one was hurt, but the property suffered some smoke damage.
Costa Mesa police say the man is facing both arson and burglary charges. The identity of the suspect was not immediately released.
