Rowland Heights : Son Suspected in House Fire

A 31-year-old man suspected of starting a $2,000 fire in his parents’ home was in serious condition Wednesday at Brea Community Hospital after he stabbed himself in the neck when sheriff’s deputies arrived at the fire, authorities said.

Donald Guastella was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and arson after the fire at 3:30 a.m. Wednesday at the Guastella family home, 2457 Cordoza Ave., Sheriff’s Department spokesman Larry Mead said.

Guastella’s father, Leonard, 62, was awakened by the smell of smoke and found the kitchen and den curtains ablaze, Mead said.

Donald Guastella tried to put out the fire with a garden hose, but when sheriff’s deputies arrived, he abandoned the effort and retreated to his bedroom.

When deputies entered that room, Donald brandished a large kitchen knife, advanced on the deputies and stabbed himself four times in the neck, Mead said.