Murrieta man with prior convictions arrested on arson charge

A Murrieta man was arrested on suspicion of arson Monday night in connection with a brush fire near Hayes Avenue and Kalmia Street, police said.

Matthew Hulbert, 34, was taken into custody when found hiding inside his home following a search of the area, according to a news release. When police responded to a report of the fire at 6:21 p.m., witnesses reported seeing a suspicious subject leaving the area on foot. After searching a yard where the suspect was spotted, officers using a police dog eventually found the suspect.

Hulbert was found to be on parole following a conviction for battery on an officer. He also has an extensive criminal history with convictions for assault with a deadly weapon, burglary, battery on emergency personnel, resisting officers and DUI. He was booked into Southwest Detention Center.