>>143495 Chico man arrested for starting Park Fire, DA says
BUTTE COUNTY, Calif. - A 42-year-old Chico man was arrested early Thursday morning by CAL FIRE arson investigators, assisted by District Attorney investigators, on suspicion of starting the Park Fire. Butte County District Attorney Mike Ramsey has identified the suspect as Ronnie Dean Stout II, 42, of Chico. Ramsey said Stout has two prior strikes. The first one was a felony conviction for child molestation and this was in Butte County. The second one was a felony conviction for robbery with great bodily injury. This was out of Kern County, Ramsey said. Butte County DA Mike Ramsey said the man was arrested after he was seen pushing a car that was on fire into a gully near the Alligator Hole in upper Bidwell Park shortly before 3 p.m. on Wednesday. Ramsey said the car went down an embankment approximately 60 feet and burned completely, spreading flames that caused the Park Fire. Ramsey said that the man was then seen calmly leaving the area, blending in with the other citizens who were in the area and fleeing the rapidly evolving fire. CAL FIRE arson investigators responded immediately, secured the scene, and began to search for clues to the identity of the unknown man. The man was eventually identified and with the help of the DA's Office, a warrant was issued by a local judge for him early this 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 of next week. Ramsey said the investigation is ongoing and anyone who has information or was in the Alligator Hole area between noon and 3:00 p.m. is encouraged to call CAL FIRE investigators at (530) 538-7888.
