2 weeks Ago
A 34-year-old Norco man arrested on suspicion of arson in connection with a fire that has now burned more than 38,000 acres in the San Bernardino Mountains had been scheduled to be arraigned Monday morning. Court officials said instead that arraignment will take place at a later date, possibly Tuesday. The Line Fire has forced evacuations in Big Bear, Running Springs and other mountain communities.
Justin Wayne Halstenberg, a contract delivery driver from Norco, was arrested last week. He is accused of starting the fire near Base Line Street and Alpine Street in the city of Highland, authorities said. San Bernardino Sheriff Shannon Dicus said that Halstenberg is suspected of intentionally setting the fire and investigators are looking into the possibility that he may be responsible for setting others.
Dicus, in a news conference last week, said automatic license plate readers captured a license plate of a vehicle connected to Halstenberg near where the Line Fire began. Dicus declined to say exactly how the fire was set, noting the investigation is in its early stages. The sheriff added that at least two people have been taken into custody on suspicion of illegally entering an evacuated area in Running Springs.
More than 150 law enforcement officers and 120 members of the National Guard are patrolling and conducting security in evacuated areas. Authorities said at its peak the fire threatened more than 73,000 structures— including homes and businesses. For updates on Line and other fires: Go here .
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