A Chula Vista man was recently ordered to stand trial for arson in the blaze of his girlfriend’s home which he allegedly burned down following an argument.
Jose Perez Rodriguez, 35, who is also known as Jose German Rodriguez, was also ordered to stand trial for identity theft in which he is charged with after allegedly withdrawing $400 from his girlfriend’s bank account.
The Feb. 20 fire at 1003 Monserate Ave. in Chula Vista destroyed the home. Rodriguez is believed to have spilled gasoline all over the master bedroom, living room, kitchen, and garage.
Rodriguez’s then-girlfriend, Elizabeth Ruiz, told Chula Vista Superior Court Judge Francis Devaney she was at a party with him in San Diego the night of the fire. The couple had a disagreement and he struck her before party guests separated them.
Rodriguez had his girlfriend’s car keys and fled the party in her vehicle. When Ruiz arrived home she saw her house engulfed in flames.
When she checked her bank records she noticed $400 was withdrawn and she remembered her bank card was in her car, which was found parked across the street.
At the end of the preliminary hearing Devaney also ordered Rodriguez to stand trial for battery, burglary, and resisting arres. He told Rodriguez to next appear in court on June 1 to schedule a trial date.
Also testifying was Chula Vista Police officer Glenn Gossett who is the lead investigating officer.
Rodriguez has pleaded not guilty and remains in the South Bay Detention Facility on $500,000 bail.
Court records say Rodriguez was convicted of drunk driving as a misdemeanor in 2014. He was sentenced to 100 days in jail with five years probation.
