Members on edge after man lights fire inside Santa Maria church

SANTA MARIA, Calif. - A man was arrested after starting a fire inside a church in Santa Maria on Wednesday.

Staff members with the Saint Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church said the man was trying to light a fire in front of the altar.

While no one got hurt, church members are feeling on edge.

Marilyn Tumbaga, who has been coming to the church for twenty years, is feeling uneasy.

“I thought it was safe because it's quiet and peaceful,” Tumbaga said.

Officers with the Santa Maria Police Department said a man was lighting a fire in front of the altar.

Deacon Dennis Pearson said church staff was preparing for a church service at the time of the incident.

“He knelt down and started to light the papers on fire,” Pearson said.

Within a few minutes, an officer saw a man, identified as 27-year-old Cristobal Zarate, walking away from the church.

Zarate splashed the officer’s face and upper body with a liquid irritant. 

When Zarate resisted the officer’s attempt to arrest him, a Good Samaritan came up and helped the officer take Zarate into custody. 

Pearson said the church will be conducting a review of their security system.

“Our concern is that it could happen anywhere at any time,” Pearson said.

Zarate was booked at the Santa Barbara County Jail on several charges including arson, felony assault on a peace officer, and disturbing a religious meeting.