NEWPORT BEACH

A former Newport Beach resident suspected of starting a fire in the duplex where he lived surrendered to police recently after an arrest warrant was issued for him. Newport Beach police believe that Gary Graul, 51, of Anaheim Hills is responsible for an April 17 fire that partially damaged a unit in the 3600 block of Lake Avenue; no one was injured. Authorities suspect Graul hoped to collect from an insurance policy he submitted shortly before the fire.

Graul, accompanied by his attorney, turned himself in to authorities earlier this month. He was booked in Newport Beach Jail on suspicion of one count of arson and two counts each of forgery and filing false credit applications. He was released on $50,000 bail and is scheduled to be arraigned Jan. 25 at Harbor Justice Center.