Arson suspect arrested for violent disturbance at a Walmart in Calexico

CALEXICO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) - The Calexico Police Department (CPD) announced the arrest of an arson suspect following a violent disturbance at a Walmart store located within the city limits.

According to CPD, the incident happened before 5:00 p.m. Saturday, with the suspect, a 38-year-old man, entering the store and "attempted to ignite store merchandise using a lighter obtained from the shelves."

CPD says the suspect, later identified as Jesse Romero, was previously removed from another business, located south of Walmart.

During the incident at the Walmart, CPD says Romero was initially confronted and stopped by an employee before officers arrived, but Romero assaulted the employee and tried to stop him from calling 911.

When officers arrived, CPD says Romero displayed "continued aggressive behavior and violently resisted arrest," with additional units being requested as Romero fought with officers and "attempted to disarm one of them" by reaching for both their taser and firearm.

Following this, CPD says officers successfully restrained Romero and placed him under arrest.

A medical team from the Calexico Fire Department, according to CPD, responded to treat Romero, who was then subsequently taken to El Centro Regional Medical Center for medical clearance before being booked into the Imperial County Jail.

Romero is facing multiple felony charges, which includes attempted arson, burglary, felony assault and felony resisting arrest, according to CPD.

A CPD officer suffered injuries during the altercation, with CPD says the officer is currently receiving treatment and is expected to survive.

Romero is a registered arsonist with a prior conviction for setting fire to a former Burger King building in Calexico.