14 'Partying' Teens from Mountain View & Los Altos Arrested in Connection to the Fordham House Arson

Twelve juveniles and two adults were arrested in connection with last week's fire on the 1700 block of Fordham Way in Mountain View, according to police.

The single-family home fire was reported March 16 at 2:18 a.m., and within a day investigators from the Mountain View Police Department and Mountain View Fire concluded the blaze was arson started inside the house.

The Fordham Way residents were not home at the time. 

In addition to the arson, a light blue, 2003 Audi A4 was stolen from the residence and since recovered.

The Santa Clara County Investigation Task Force along with the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives assisted MVPD as the investigation moved forward.

Through the investigation, detectives learned that starting on March 7 and the following weekend, multiple large parties with heavy drug and alcohol use were hosted at the unoccupied home, police said. 

Attendees included students from surrounding high schools and a local college, police said. 

On the morning of March 16, three juveniles started a fire inside the residence which they were unable to extinguish, according to authorities.

Detectives served multiple search warrants at residences in Mountain View and Los Altos resulting in the arrest of 12 juveniles and two adults, police said.

 Juvenile charges ranged from arson, burglary and auto theft to drug possession and drug sales, police said. The names, ages and charges of the arrested minors will not be released due to their age. 

More arrests are expected as the investigation continues and additional subjects are identified.

The two adults were arrested for the following charges:

• Brandon Pak (18)  - Burglary (Penal Code 459/460(a), Child Endangerment (Penal Code 273a(a)) and Providing Marijuana to Juveniles (Health and Safety Code 11361(b))
• Gilbert Gomes (18) – Burglary (Penal Code 459/460(a)) and Child Endangerment (Penal Code 273a(a))

Anyone with additional knowledge of the party is encouraged to contact the police department via telephone at 650-903-6344. You can also go to the police department located at 1000 Villa St.

Anonymous tips can also be sent via text to 274637. Please include “mvtips” in the body of your message.