Police identify suspect arrested for Dam Road fire; investigation ongoing
- Lake County News reports
- Posted On
CLEARLAKE, Calif. – The Clearlake Police Department has identified the man arrested on Saturday after witnesses said he set a fire that burned near a Clearlake shopping center and apartment complex.
Adam Joseph Miller, 28, of Clearlake was arrested shortly before 8 p.m. Saturday, about two hours after the fire was first reported, authorities reported.
At 5:40 p.m. Saturday, Clearlake Police officers responded with firefighters to the field behind Cache Creek Apartments, and near the Tractor Supply and Big 5 Sporting Goods stores, for a grass fire, as Lake County News has reported.
Upon their arrival, the officers, assisted by California Highway Patrol officers, evacuated Buildings C and D at the apartments, police said.
While attending to evacuations, officers also received information regarding a suspect who possibly started the fire, according to the Clearlake police report.
Based on the investigation, police said Miller was identified as the subject responsible for setting the fire.
One of the witnesses, whose campsite was burned down, saw Miller after he had initially left the area, gave chase and confronted him while having a bystander contact the police. Authorities said several officers arrived and took custody of Miller.
Based on statements obtained during the investigation so far, police believe that Miller intentionally set the fire.
Miller was booked into the Lake County Jail on suspicion of arson, with bail set at $100,000, according to booking records. He remained in custody on Tuesday.
His booking sheet shows he is scheduled for a Tuesday arraignment in Lake County Superior Court.
Police said the investigation is ongoing and includes investigators from the Lake County Fire Protection District and Cal Fire.
Anyone with additional information regarding this incident is asked to contact Arson Investigator Brice Trask with Lake County Fire at 707-994-2170.