Arson Suspect Charged for Setting 12 Fires at Ontario Mills Mall

Prosecutors say 28-year-old Luis Javier Gallegos Jr. could face doubled sentence due to prior conviction.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 12:19pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a charred, melted plastic shopping bag handle against a pitch-black background, conveying the gritty aftermath of a series of mall fires through dramatic lighting and stark, textural details.Scorched remnants of a shopping bag point to the aftermath of a string of arson attacks at a California mall.Rancho Cucamonga Today

A 28-year-old Rancho Cucamonga resident named Luis Javier Gallegos Jr. has been charged with 16 felony counts for allegedly setting 12 fires at five different stores in the Ontario Mills mall on a single day. Gallegos is accused of starting fires at Nordstrom Rack, Marshalls, True Religion, and The North Face, and also making criminal threats against two employees. If convicted, his sentence could be doubled due to a prior armed robbery conviction.

Why it matters

The string of arson incidents at the popular Ontario Mills shopping mall has raised concerns about public safety and the potential for escalating property crimes as economic pressures mount. Prosecutors are taking a hard stance, warning that those who commit such crimes will face serious consequences.

The details

According to the San Bernardino County District Attorney's Office, Gallegos is accused of setting a total of 12 fires across five different stores at the mall on Friday, April 14. The fires were set at four Nordstrom Rack locations, three at Marshalls, three at True Religion, and two at The North Face. Gallegos was also charged with two counts of criminal threats against employees. Police say they quickly confronted Gallegos at the scene and had to use physical force to take him into custody as he resisted arrest.

  • On Friday, April 14, police received reports around 10:30 a.m. that a man was setting fires at the Ontario Mills mall.
  • Gallegos was charged on Tuesday, April 18 with 16 felony counts, including 11 counts of arson of property, two counts of criminal threats, and one count each of arson of a structure, resisting arrest, and attempting to remove a peace officer's firearm.
  • Gallegos is scheduled to enter pleas on Wednesday, April 19 in Superior Court in Rancho Cucamonga.

The players

Luis Javier Gallegos Jr.

A 28-year-old Rancho Cucamonga resident who has been charged with 16 felony counts for allegedly setting 12 fires at five stores in the Ontario Mills mall.

Jacquelyn Rodriguez

A spokeswoman for the San Bernardino County District Attorney's Office.

Jason Anderson

The San Bernardino County District Attorney, who warned that those who commit criminal conduct will face serious consequences.

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What they’re saying

“If criminal conduct is how you show concern about the economy, I know a place you can go to get a free bed, free food, free clothes and potentially many friends. The bottom line is, if you play stupid games here in San Bernardino County, you are going to win state prison prizes.”

— Jason Anderson, San Bernardino County District Attorney

What’s next

Gallegos is scheduled to enter pleas on Wednesday, April 19 in Superior Court in Rancho Cucamonga. If convicted, his sentence could be doubled under state law due to his prior conviction for armed robbery.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing concerns over property crimes and arson incidents in the region, with prosecutors vowing to take a tough stance on those who commit such acts. It also raises questions about the potential economic factors driving some individuals to lash out through criminal behavior.