At about 3:24pm Tuesday, Turlock Fire responded to a potential structure fire at a residence in the 600 block of Flower Street.

The caller reported that a gas meter had caught fire and that he’d used water to extinguish it, although it was still smoking.

When firefighters arrived on scene, they confirmed the fire was out.

Firefighters then requested Turlock Police and the Stanislaus Regional Fire Investigation Unit due to possible arson and the Pacific Gas and Electric Company due to a damaged meter.

After speaking with the victim, officers and fire investigators identified the suspect as Osvaldo Llamas, 22, of Turlock, and determined his motive.

SIU investigators conducted follow-up and surveillance in the case, locating Llamas two days later and taking him into custody.

Llamas was arrested and booked into the Stanislaus County Public Safety Center on charges of stalking, arson, and possession of an incendiary device.