| Nature of Incident: |
Juvenile arrested for unlawfully starting a vegetation fire. |
| Report Number: |
18-113722 |
| Location: |
Vacant lot east of 290 E. El Roblar Drive, Meiners Oaks |
| Date & Time: |
07-21-18 @ 1340 hours |
| Unit(s) Responsible: |
Ojai Police Department & Ventura County Fire Investigators |
| (S)uspects, (V)ictims, (P)arty, (D)ecedent |
City of Residence
|
Age |
| Male juvenile |
Ojai |
17 |
| Narrative: |
On 07-21-18, at about 1340 hours, a vegetation fire erupted in a vacant lot east of the Roth Apartment Complex, located at 290 E. El Roblar Drive in the unincorporated community of Meiners Oaks. Deputies from the Ojai Substation were at the Roth Apartment Complex investigating an unrelated incident when the fire started. Deputies immediately requested the fire department.
Ventura County Fire Engine Company 22 and surrounding engine companies, along with a Ventura County Sheriff’s Helicopter, and a truck from the US Forest Service arrived to assist. The fire burned quickly east towards the Roth apartments endangering the home owners. Thanks to the quick response by the firefighters, the flames were extinguished before any home was affected. The vegetation fire burned about one and a half acres.
The cause of the fire was unknown and arson investigators from the Sheriff’s Office and Ventura County Fire Department were summoned to assist with the investigation. They determined the fire to be an act of arson.
After a three week investigation, it was determined a male juvenile was the cause of the fire. The juvenile was contacted and arrested for 452(d) PC – Unlawful causing a fire. The juvenile was issued a citation and released to his family.
The Ventura County Sheriff’s Office wants to thank the public for assisting with the investigation. Due to the lack of rain and dry weather, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office wants to remind everyone to be vigilant and to call 911 immediately if they see anything suspicious.
|
| Prepared by: |
Senior Deputy Charles MacDonald #2693 |
|
| News Release Date: |
08-20-18 |
|
| Media Follow-Up Contact: |
Fire Investigator Bryan Tinsley 805-384-4774 |
|
| Approved by: |
Captain James Fryhoff |
|
