A Hillcrest landlord was taken into custody Wednesday, accused of starting a fire on his tenant's front porch and then refusing arrest.
San Diego Police were called to the duplex near Herbert Street and Upas Street, west of Park Boulevard and north of Balboa Park, around 1:30 a.m.
Officials say the man started the fire and then fled back into his own home. Once inside the home, the landlord refused to come outside or allow officers in.
Police set up a perimeter and used a battering ram to enter the home. They say once they were inside, the man fought their efforts to take him into custody.
He faces charges of arson and being under the influence of a controlled substance.
The man’s tenants said there has been ongoing tension with the owner of the home recently and they are scheduled to appear in court this week.
The women leasing one of the duplex units claim the landlord broke on of their windows and was arrested as a result.
