Arson suspect in California's Line Fireplace sparked 2 different fires similar day, could also be linked to extra blazes

The arson suspect arrested in connection to a California wildfire is believed to set off two different fires on the identical day earlier than he allegedly sparked the destructive Line Fire, which has engulfed greater than 37,000 acres in San Bernardino.

Justin Wayne Halstenberg, 34, is alleged to have set off three completely different fires final week, San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus stated Thursday. A type of fires developed into the Line Fireplace, that has continued to burn after eight days, whereas the opposite two have been contained.

In line with Dicus, investigators have been in a position to tie Halstenberg to the scene of all three fires. The investigation was indicative of “important arson conduct” and it’s potential Halstenberg might be tied to different fires, Dicus stated.

He couldn’t communicate to the suspect’s motive when requested by reporters Thursday.

“I can let you know that (based mostly on) the proof, simply the proof alone … we’ve a big certainty that that is our suspect,” Dicus stated.

Halstenberg has been charged with one rely of aggravated arson, three counts of arson on construction or forest land, three counts of possession of fabric or a tool for arson, one rely of arson leading to bodily hurt, and a rely of arson of an inhabited construction.

All 9 felony expenses are in relation to the Line Fireplace, authorities stated. If convicted on the aggravated arson cost, Halstenberg might be sentenced between 10 years to life in jail.

Inmate information present Halstenberg is being held on the West Valley Detention Heart and there’s no legal professional listed for him in courtroom information. Authorities stated he’s set to be arraigned on Friday.

Halstenberg has an energetic courtroom case in Riverside County relating to expenses of possession of managed substances and possession of drug paraphernalia from April. Information present that Halstenberg failed to seem in courtroom and a warrant was issued for his arrest on July 12.

San Bernardino County District Legal professional Jason Anderson described the case as ongoing as a result of the hearth remains to be ongoing. His workplace could proceed to hunt new expenses relying on how a lot property is broken and what accidents or fatalities could happen.

One of many counts is in relation to a firefighter who broke an ankle whereas working to extinguish the Line Fireplace. One other cost is in relation to somebody’s dwelling, which burned to the bottom, Anderson stated.

Officers beforehand stated they imagine Halstenberg deliberately set a hearth within the space of Baseline Street and Alpin Road within the metropolis of Highland final week, which thenerupted into the Line Fireplace. An automated license plate reader flagged Halstenberg’s car close to the realm the place the hearth began.

The following investigation into him led to a search warrant on Tuesday, the place officers stated they discovered proof “that supported his arrest.”

As of Thursday the Line Fireplace is simply 18% contained and spans 37, 207 acres, according to CalFire. California Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency because of the hearth and approved the state’s Nationwide Guard to help within the effort to suppress the blaze.

It’s one in every of three main wildfires ravaging Southern California within the midst of a heatwave. Firefighters hope that cooler weather moving into the area will assist in the battle to stamp out the flames.