Arson suspect arrested in Apple Valley with help from off-duty firefighter
A Victorville man was arrested after an off-duty firefighter spotted him lighting several small fires in a field in Apple Valley last week, authorities said.
The off-duty fighter was passing through the area of Joshua Road and Little Beaver Road about 5 p.m. Thursday when they noticed smoke beginning to rise from the field from at least two different spots, as well as a suspicious person nearby, according to San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department officials.
The fire employee called 911.
A responding deputy quickly detained the suspect, sheriff's officials said in a written statement.
"Investigation revealed several small spots in the vacant field which appeared to have been burned," the statement said.
Deputies also found a concealed knife in the suspect's pocket, authorities added.
Ronald Rito Reyes, 34, of Victorville was booked on suspicion of arson and carrying a concealed dirk or dagger, according to sheriff's officials and county booking records. Bail was set at $30,000 pending an initial court appearance.
This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Victorville man accused of lighting fires in Apple Valley field
