Woman arrested after allegedly setting ex’s SUV ablaze

An Alpine woman was arrested Friday on suspicion of torching her ex-boyfriend’s SUV during a fight at the home they share with the man’s current love interest, authorities said.

Virginia Escalante, 45, allegedly set fire to the Toyota 4Runner in front of their residence in the 1300 block of South Grade Road shortly before 7 a.m. Friday, according to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office.

The fire caused major damage to the vehicle before firefighters extinguished it, Lt. Nick Backouris said.

Deputies arrested Escalante on suspicion of misdemeanor battery – though no injuries were reported – and felony arson, the lieutenant said.

Escalante was being held at Las Colinas women’s jail in Santee on $50,000 bail pending arraignment, scheduled for Tuesday.