Suspect douses store clerk with lighter fluid, tries to set fire in OC attempted robbery

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Wednesday, January 3, 2024
Suspect douses store clerk with lighter fluid in OC attempted robbery
Police in Santa Ana are searching for an attempted robbery suspect who was caught on video spraying a store clerk with lighter fluid as he tried to start a fire.

SANTA ANA, Calif. (KABC) -- Police in Santa Ana are searching for an attempted robbery suspect who was caught on video spraying a store clerk with lighter fluid as he tried to start a fire.

The incident happened just before noon on Oct. 25, 2023 at a meat market in the 1800 block of S. Standard Street.

In surveillance footage shared by the Santa Ana Police Department, the suspect is seen shoving a customer out of the way to get to the clerk. He then douses the clerk and the cash register with lighter fluid, and seconds later, he uses a lighter to try to start a fire.

Police said he didn't get a hold of any cash and ultimately fled in Razor-type scooter. It's unclear if the clerk or any customers were injured.

The suspect was seen wearing a black hoodie with the words "Dirty Bird" printed on the front in white letters, a black face mask, gray pants, and gray Vans.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Santa Ana PD Detective S. Park at 714-245-8360 or Spark@santa-ana.org.