Ontario Mills arson suspect pleads not guilty to 16 counts

A 28-year-old Rancho Cucamonga man pleaded not guilty Tuesday to 16 counts stemming from a series of fires set inside Ontario Mills mall on April 10, according to ABC7 Los Angeles.

The case has drawn regional attention to security at one of Southern California's largest outlet malls, a destination that draws shoppers from across the region, including communities throughout Orange County.

Luis Javier Gallegos Jr. of Rancho Cucamonga was arrested at the scene after fires broke out inside multiple stores at Ontario Mills on April 10, according to ABC7 Los Angeles. Officers used force to take him into custody.

Prosecutors charged Gallegos with 11 counts of arson of property, two counts of criminal threats and one count each of arson of a structure, resisting an officer and attempting to remove an officer's firearm — 16 counts in total. A judge set bail at $2 million.

Gallegos entered his not guilty plea at an April 22 arraignment. His next court date was scheduled for the following week.

Authorities have not established a motive for the fires, ABC7 Los Angeles reported.

Ontario Mills is one of the largest outlet malls in Southern California, located in San Bernardino County and drawing visitors from across the greater region. The mall serves as a major shopping destination for residents of the Inland Empire and Orange County alike.

Gallegos remains held on $2 million bail pending his next court appearance.