Placerville — August 12, 2025
Placerville police arrested a Pollock Pines man on suspicion of arson Friday evening after a small wildland fire broke out in the 1600 block of Broadway Drive, according to the Placerville Police Department. Officers were dispatched at 5:01 p.m. on Aug. 8 and, aided by multiple community reports, located the suspect—identified as Omar Alexis Salazar, 28—near Highway 50 and Schnell School Road. Police said Salazar had visible injuries and was linked to both the fire and a nearby altercation.
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Salazar was arrested on suspicion of arson of a structure/forest land (Penal Code 451(c)) and parole violations. Arson of a structure or forest land is a felony under California law.
In a social media statement about the arrest, the department thanked residents who phoned in what they saw. “This incident is a reminder that your calls make a difference,” Placerville police said
Police initially listed bail at $100,000 for the arson allegation. Jail booking pages for El Dorado County, however, showed Salazar in custody on a parole hold with no bail displayed, a common circumstance when parole violations are alleged under California Penal Code §§ 3000.08 and 3056. (Bail listings can change as cases move from arrest to court.)
The fire was contained quickly and no injuries to bystanders were reported by police as of publication. Placerville’s fire and emergency services are provided by the El Dorado County Fire Protection District, which the city contracts for coverage.
Anyone with additional information is asked to contact the Placerville Police Department. Non-emergency contact information for PPD is listed on the city’s website.
Note: All suspects are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
