2 California women accused of helping man burn his ex’s car

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (TCD) -- Two women were arrested after allegedly helping a man ignite his ex-girlfriend's car earlier this month.

According to a press release from the Riverside Police Department, in the early hours of April 2, officials received a call about a car on fire on the 2700 block of Atlanta Avenue. Once the flames were fully extinguished, the Riverside Police Department said officers "were able to see a red plastic gas can with wires attached and heard a humming sound coming from the device."

Riverside's Fire/Arson investigations Unit and the police department's Technical Services Unit — the bomb squad — responded to the scene and took over. Bomb squad technicians reportedly "determined it was an Improvised Incendiary Device, which was ultimately rendered safe."

Less than a week later, officials conduced a search at a residence on the 1200 block of E Street in Corona and arrested 27-year-old Carlos Octavio Orta Jr. Investigators reportedly located several firearms, ammunition, and "bomb making components" at his residence. he was booked on charges of arson, conspiracy to commit a crime, vandalism, and possession of an explosion device.

Riverside Police announced an update in the case Wednesday, April 27. Officers arrested two alleged accomplices, 21-year-old Alexis Garcia and 23-year-old Daniela Nunez, on April 24. Nunez was charged with multiple arson violations, conspiracy to commit a crime, and possession of explosives, while Garcia was charged with arson, conspiracy to commit a crime, and possession of a controlled substance, according to police.

According to KTLA-TV, Garcia and Nunez allegedly helped Orta create the incendiary device. The victim is reportedly Orta's ex-girlfriend, and a Riverside official told KTLA the woman "had a boyfriend that he did not like."

Nunez and Garcia were booked into the Robert Presley Detention Center, and all charges were filed with the Riverside County District Attorney's Office, police say.

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