Arson suspected in 6th Street fire

An argument between a Merced man and his wife allegedly resulted in a fire at a 6th Street residential complex Tuesday night, displacing five families, police said.

No injuries were reported in the fire.

Details are pending in the investigation, but police believe Santiago Ayala Lopez, 29, used blankets to set fire to his 612 West 6th St. home after the argument, according to Merced Police Lt. Bimley West.

Officers responded to the fire and arrested Ayala Lopez on suspicion of arson and booked him into the Merced County jail.

More details will be posted later today.

-- Ramona Giwargis