Arrest Made After Sunday-Morning Church Fire

A church in an unincorporated area of El Cajon went up in flames early Sunday morning, and a 38-year-old man was arrested for suspicion of arson, according to the Sheriff’s Department.

Neighbors of The St. Gregory of Nyssa Greek Orthodox Church reported the fire around 4 a.m. and firefighters quickly had the fire under control, according to Sgt. E.J. Dayrit. No injuries were reported.

Investigators from the sheriff’s Bomb/Arson Unit and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives responded to determine the origin of the fire.

According to Dayrit, investigators determined that Darin Williams was a person of interest. He was contacted by authorities and arrested. Williams was booked into San Diego Central Jail for arson, second-degree burglary and violating civil rights, all felonies. His bail was set at $150,000.

Damage to the church, located at 1454 Jamacha Rd., was estimated at $250,000.