Bobby Salazar arrested, accused of hiring motorcycle gang to set fire in restaurant: DOJ

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Robert "Bobby" Salazar, known for his namesake Mexican restaurants successful Fresno and Clovis, has been arrested connected arson and fraud charges, according to national prosecutors.

Court documents allege Salazar hired a subordinate of a motorcycle pack to acceptable occurrence to the Bobby Salazar's edifice connected Blackstone Avenue successful the Tower District. He was taken into custody conscionable earlier 11 a.m. Tuesday.

Investigators accidental the occurrence that broke retired April 2, 2024, astatine the Blackstone determination was intentionally set. Burned state cans were recovered wrong the restaurant.

Prosecutors allege Salazar paid the president of the Screamin' Demons Motorcycle Club to commencement the fire, past told his security institution helium had thing to bash with it. He aboriginal received astir $1 cardinal from the security claim.

Salazar is charged with arson of commercialized spot and arson successful furtherance of a national felony. He is scheduled to look successful Fresno County tribunal Wednesday.

If convicted, helium faces up to 40 years successful prison.