Suspect arrested in burning of car at Merced dealership

A 47-year-old man was arrested Saturday on suspicion of burning a car at a Merced dealership on West Main Street near V Street.

Charles Moreschini was taken into custody after police say his image was captured on a surveillance camera.

Officers and Merced Fire Department firefighters were dispatched to a vehicle fire at Primos Auto Sales at 1450 W Main St., according to a news release.

When they arrived they found the vehicle fully engulfed. It was parked close to the office, and the building began to burn. The fire was extinguished and there was damage to the building. The vehicle was destroyed.

The owner reviewed the footage and spotted a man starting the fire and leaving on foot. Police recognized Moreshini as the suspect.

Officers had even contacted the suspect just a few blocks away around the time of the fire. Officers found him walking in the 1200 block of W. 16th Street.

Under questioning the suspect admitted the fire, police said.

Police ask anyone with any information about the incident to contact Officer McCannon at 209-388-7848 or by email at mccannont@cityofmerced.org.