ARLINGTON, VA — Three men are facing serious charges after investigators determined a May apartment fire in the Douglas Park neighborhood was intentionally set.
The fire broke out just before 5 a.m. on May 15 at 1020 S. Quebec Street, a garden-style apartment complex in South Arlington. The blaze forced the evacuation of dozens of residents — many of whom had to be rescued by firefighters through thick smoke and dangerous conditions. Several were hospitalized for smoke inhalation.
Investigators with the Arlington County Fire Marshal’s Office suspected arson early on, based on evidence found at the scene. What followed was a months-long investigation, supported by Arlington County Police and other partner agencies. The probe ultimately led to the arrest of three individuals.
Who Was Arrested?
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Marvin Adelso Hernandez Lopez, 18, of Arlington, was arrested on August 27. He’s facing a list of charges, including:
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Arson
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Conspiracy to Commit Arson
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Possession of Fictitious Identification
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Possession of a Firearm by a Foreign National
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Reckless Handling of a Firearm (no serious injury reported)
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Wilmer Agustin De Leon, 20, also of Arlington, was arrested on September 9. He’s charged with:
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Arson
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Conspiracy to Commit Arson
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Erasbiel Flores, 22, of Woodbridge, was arrested the same day and is facing the same charges as De Leon.
All three men are being held without bond at the Arlington County Detention Facility.
The Aftermath in Douglas Park
The fire significantly disrupted life in this tight-knit South Arlington community. Thirty-two people were directly affected by the incident — some losing their homes, others dealing with trauma and temporary displacement. Local organizations, including the Arlington County Department of Human Services, have been helping the impacted families with housing and recovery resources.
Officials haven’t released a motive, and the investigation is ongoing.
The Fire Marshal’s Office emphasized how community tips and inter-agency cooperation helped bring the suspects into custody. They also reiterated that intentionally setting a fire isn’t just a property crime — it puts lives at risk.
