Man suspected of tossing Molotov cocktail at Turlock business

TURLOCK -- Police have arrested a 20-year-old man suspected of throwing a Molotov cocktail at a vacant building in downtown Turlock.

Mario Alvarado was in custody at the Stanislaus County Jail on Tuesday, charged with arson and possession of an explosive device.

Turlock police spokesman Sgt. Stephen Webb said Alvarado threw the incendiary object at the door of a vacant business in the 200 block of Main Street about 11:30 p.m. Sunday.

The fire caused damage to the business's overhang but was extinguished quickly, Webb said.

Several witnesses told police they saw the suspect throw the Molotov cocktail before he walked away south on Locust Street.

Officers found Alvarado two blocks from the vacant building. Webb said Alvarado tried to run from police but was apprehended after a short chase.