Body found in Downtown San Jose building burned in possible arson fire, source says

SAN JOSE, Calif. (KGO) -- A three-alarm fire in San Jose Sunday is being investigated as possible arson, according to San Jose police and fire department.

The fire happened at a building in Downtown San Jose, which contains a business on the first floor, residential units on the second floor and an adult entertainment store on the third floor.

Officials say the third alarm was dispatched at 6:10 p.m.

When the fire was put out, firefighters found a body in the basement, the fire chief said in a press conference.

An anonymous source tells ABC7 News they believe the owner of the adult store is responsible for the arson.

The suspect had been speaking to San Jose Police prior to the start of the blaze.

Officers informed San Jose Fire the suspect was armed with a sledgehammer.

Luke McDonald spoke with ABC7 News. He knows the business owner, who according to neighbors, had an eviction noticed posted on his storefront.

"He was an immigrant and trying to keep his business running. He went through a divorce. I think he was having difficulties with a couple things. People trying to shut down his business," said McDonald.

Four firefighters were injured while responding to this fire.




Stay with ABC7 News for the latest details on this developing story.