FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Suspect Jose Rodriguez-Barragan

IN-CUSTODY

On January 27, 2026, the San José Police Department Assaults Unit assisted the San José Fire Department Arson Division with an investigation into a series of vehicle arson fires that occurred at multiple locations throughout the city of San José. With support from the SJPD Real Time Intelligence Center, analysts utilized the public safety camera database while detectives reviewed hours of surveillance footage, canvassed affected locations, and reinterviewed multiple victims and witnesses. Through this coordinated effort, Assaults Unit Detectives identified Jose Rodriguez-Barragan as the primary suspect and obtained a warrant for his arrest. 

The suspect is believed to be responsible for starting approximately five fires on January 21, 2026, and approximately six fires on January 27, 2026, resulting in approximately 19 vehicles being set on fire. Detectives are continuing the investigation to determine whether the suspect is connected to any additional arson incidents.

On January 30, 2026, with the assistance of the SJPD Neighborhood Quality of Life Unit (NQL), the suspect was arrested in the city of San José and later booked into the Santa Clara County Main Jail for arson, drug charges, and multiple outstanding warrants. 

“Acts of arson put lives at risk and threaten the safety of entire neighborhoods,” said SJPD Chief Paul Joseph. “This case highlights the importance of collaboration across agencies and the critical role of technology in identifying suspects and holding them accountable.”

“These fires created a significant threat to public safety and to our responding firefighters,” said SJFD Fire Chief Robert Sapien, Jr. “We are grateful for the collaborative work between SJFD’s Arson Unit and SJPD that led to the suspect’s arrest and helped prevent further incidents.”

“San Jose’s new law enforcement tools and teams helped put a suspected arsonist behind bars,” said San José Mayor Matt Mahan. “Our Real Time Intelligence Center has proven invaluable to our officers, who continue to show that if you commit a crime in San José, you will be caught.”

“Keeping our community safe requires a One Team ethos,” said San José City Manager Jennifer Maguire. “I commend the San José Police and the San José Fire departments for their coordinated response, diligent investigative work, and effective use of technology to identify and arrest a suspect responsible for these dangerous acts. Their collaboration will prevent further harm, and reinforces our commitment to public safety for all.”

Anyone with information about these cases is asked to contact Detective Nguyen #4431 of the San José Police Assaults Unit via email at: 4431@sanjoseca.gov or 408-277-4161.

Submit crime tips and remain anonymous by using the P3TIPS mobile app, calling the tip line at (408) 947-STOP, or on www.siliconvalleycrimestoppers.org. If the information you submit leads to an arrest, you are eligible for a cash reward from the Silicon Valley Crime Stoppers Program.