Cupertino Man Accused Of Arson, Vandalism In San Mateo County

SAN CARLOS, CA — A Cupertino man accused of vandalizing a San Carlos home in February and returning to set a fire in May was arrested this week after a lengthy investigation, according to the sheriff's office.

The investigation began on Feb. 4 when the victims contacted law enforcement to report their garage had been spray-painted with graffiti and the tires of one of their cars slashed at a home on Coleman Court.

The sheriff's office said the same house was targeted on May 16, when a suspicious fire destroyed two vehicles and flames caused extensive damage to the home's garage and porch. Investigators with the sheriff's office and fire department determined the blaze was arson and continued to follow leads.

A thorough investigation revealed both incidents were related, and detectives identified a suspect in the case as Mark Alexander, 66, of Cupertino. Officials said Alexander and the victim knew one another and the incidents were believed to be isolated.

Deputies arrested Alexander last week and booked him into the Maguire Correctional Facility on suspicion of arson and vandalism. The sheriff's office credited automated license plate readers for helping solve the case and thanked colleagues at the Redwood City Fire Department and Santa Clara County Sheriff's Office for assisting the investigation.