Man gets 33 years to life for explosion, fire in Santa Ana motel room

This map shows the location of an explosion and fire in a Santa Ana motel for which a man has been sentenced to 33 years to life. (Bing)

March 3, 2014, 7:54 a.m.

A man was sentenced to 33 years to life in state prison for causing an explosion that started a fire in a Santa Ana motel room, according to authorities.

In addition to his prison time, Thanh Van Quang, 39, was ordered to pay more than $177,000 in restitution, according to the Orange County district attorney's office.

A jury found him guilty last October of arson of an inhabited property and illegal possession of flammable material, the Huntington Beach Independent reported.

On Nov. 30, 2012, Quang was arguing with the manager at the Pueblo Motel in Santa Ana about inviting guests into his room, according to prosecutors.

Authorities said he later walked to a nearby gas station, bought a fuel canister and filled it with a gallon of gasoline before returning to his motel room.

Quang then caused an explosion in the room, which started a fire and damaged his and neighboring rooms, prosecutors said.

In 1998, Quang was convicted of voluntary manslaughter, assault with a firearm and two counts of robbery, according to prosecutors.

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Man gets 33 years to life for explosion, fire in Santa Ana motel room