Arrest made in devastating California Park Fire
On July 25, California’s Butte County District Attorney’s Office released word that Ronnie Dean Stout II, a 42-year-old man from Chico, California, had been arrested in connection with the devastating Park Fire. The fire, which has already burned more than 75,000 acres, is the largest wildfire in California this year, according to reports coming from MSN and KQWD.
According to the District Attorney’s Office, Stout intentionally started the fire by pushing a burning car into a gully near the Alligator Hole in upper Bidwell Park shortly before 3:00 p.m. on July 24. After starting the fire in that manner, Stout calmly left the scene, blending in with other people evacuating the area trying to save themselves from the fire which was spreading rapidly. Three young women who encountered Stout before the fire started reported that he appeared to be “under the influence” and made strange remarks toward them, according to CBS News in Sacramento.
The car went down an embankment approximately 60 feet and burned completely, spreading flames that caused the Park Fire. Cal Fire arson investigators responded immediately, secured the scene, and began searching for clues to the identity of the as of then unidentified arsonist.
~~~
~~~
Stout was eventually identified as the culprit and with the help of the DA’s Office, a warrant was issued by a local judge for him early yesterday morning. He was booked into the Butte County Jail where, pursuant to the warrant, he is being held without bail until his arraignment on Monday, July 29.
The DA’s Office also reported that Stout has a criminal record with two previous “strike” felony convictions which will be charged along with whatever Arson charge is determined by the evidence to be appropriate. Stout’s previous felonies were listed as follows:
- 2001 – Butte County Superior Court – Lewd and Lascivious Acts with a Child under 14, and
- 2002 – Kern County Superior Court – Robbery with Great Bodily Injury
After the 2002 Kern conviction, Stout was sentenced to the State Prison for 20 years.
As of this writing, 1,100 firefighters are still battling that blaze. For more on the devastating Park Fire which had forced thousands to evacuate the area, and Stout’s involvement for that fire, see the video below.
~~~
(Source: Butte County District Attorney’s Office)
Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today
Follow Richard on Facebook, Twitter & Instagram
