Friday January 6, 2017 San
Bernardino County Fire and San Bernardino County Sheriff, apprehended two
suspects during a joint surveillance operation 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 Road in Victorville. One vegetation fire did cause damage to an
apartment building, endangering the residents inside; however, no injuries were
sustained.
Arson
Investigation at Golden Sands Apartments, 15930 Nisqualli Rd., Victorville
Suspects:
Cody McGee, 26 year old (DOB: 12/31/91),
Adelanto Gerald Fontaine, 50 years old (DOB:
01/25/66), Adelanto
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. https://www.facebook.com/SanBernardinoCountyFire/posts/1796005680613361
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.
Arson Suspects Apprehended 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.