Fire in Union City: Man arrested on suspicion of murder in investigation into deadly arson

UNION CITY, California – A 33-year-old man was arrested in connection with a fire earlier this week in Union City that left another man dead, police said Wednesday.

Just before 3:30 a.m. Monday, officers responded to reports of a house on fire at 33400 14th Street. Residents were able to escape, but a 66-year-old man was taken to a hospital and died of his injuries, according to Union City police. His name was not immediately available.

Investigators arrested Union City resident Christopher Schwenk. Alameda County jail records show he was booked into the Santa Rita Jail on suspicion of murder and arson and remains in custody on $250,000 bail.

“There is evidence that the suspect carelessly used a lighter and set items on fire, after which the fire quickly spread, engulfing one of the rooms and spreading to the rest of the house,” Union City Police Sergeant Brandon Hayward said.

Police said they initially arrested a 57-year-old woman, but she was later released.

Investigators have not released any further details about the case and are asking anyone with information to contact Detective Bedford at (510) 675-5266 or [email protected]. Tips can also be sent anonymously to (510) 675-5207 or [email protected].

ABC7 News contributed to this story.