Arson Suspect Apprehended

SAN BERNARDINO >> On Friday, Jan. 6, during a joint surveillance operation involving San Bernardino County Fire and San Bernardino County Sheriff, two suspects were apprehended following a dumpster fire at the Golden Sands Apartment complex in Victorville. Since August of 2016, San Bernardino County Firefighters have responded to more than 30 dumpster and vegetation fires at the Mountain Vista Apartments, located at 15450 Nisqualli Rd. in Victorville. One vegetation fire did cause damage to an apartment building, endangering the residents inside; however, no injuries were sustained. All other fires were quickly extinguished before the fire spread to adjacent structures. On October 23, 2016, a 2-alarm fire was reported at J&K Feed and Pet Supplies, 16361 Yucca St., Hesperia. This time the perpetrators set hay bales on fire. Firefighters were instrumental in keeping the fire contained to the hay bales and away from adjacent structures and gas station. In November 2016, three separate fire starts were attempted unsuccessfully at the Hesperia Feed Bin, located at 16770 Yucca St., Hesperia. Fearing a serial arsonist was targeting the High Desert, Fire and Sheriff Investigators set up a surveillance operation. The surveillance had been taking place for several months prior to the suspects being apprehended. “These types of cases remain a high priority with us. A lot of time and effort go into solving arsons. We remain dedicated to aggressively pursuing those who maliciously set fires and put others in harm’s way,” stated Fire Chief/Fire Warden Mark Hartwig. “People in the High Desert are safer today because of the hard work and joint efforts such as this one.” Both suspects have been tied to setting over 30 fires at the Mountain Vista Apartments, one fire at the Golden Sands Apartments, a fire at J&K’s Feed & Pet Supplies, and three attempted fire starts at Hesperia Feed Bin. All fires were found to have been ignited using an incendiary device. “The safety of the residents in this county remains top priority for all of us in public safety. The arrests of these two suspects were a result of teamwork and determination,” stated Sheriff John McMahon. McGee and Fontaine were booked into the Adelanto Detention Center for PC451(d); arson to property, with bail set at $50,000. Additional charges are expected to be filed with the District Attorney’s Office. Fire Marshal Mike Horton reminds residents of the importance of fire safety and to report any suspicious activity immediately by calling 9-1-1 or the We-Tip hotline. Your vigilance may save your life and the lives of others. Anyone with further information is asked to contact investigators via dispatch at 909-356-3805 or We-Tip at 800-47-ARSON (800-472-7766). Courtesy photos from the arson fire at the J&K Feed and Pet Supplies can be located at http://sbcofd.smugmug.com/Fires/StructureFires/2016/FC-JK-Feed-Yucca-Valley-2nd-Al