In an update to a story we reported here Thursday evening the Lassen County Sheriff’s Office is releasing details surrounding the arrest of two Susanville residents for unlawfully causing a fire and possession of an explosive device. The fire burned approximately .75 acres behind the old hospital near Cheney Creek Road.
Cal-Fire and multiple fire agencies responded to the scene and received reports that a loud bang was heard by witnesses prior to the fire being set.
“Additionally,” explained LCSO Sergeant Kevin Jones, “a vehicle was reported to be quickly leaving the scene of the fire.” Deputies from the Lassen County Sheriff’s Office responded to assist in the investigation.
Within minutes of their arrival to the scene deputies located the vehicle that had reportedly left the scene of the fire and contacted the vehicle’s occupants. Deputies also spoke to witnesses to the fire and the vehicle speeding away. It was ascertained that one or more people created some type of exploding device using materials from fireworks and a regular soda bottle. During the investigation Cal-Fire investigators located the source of ignition at the fire scene.
After investigation, deputies arrested Susanville residents Kyle Potter, age 19 and Alexandria Dallimore, age 18. Both were charged with unlawfully causing a fire and possession of an explosive device. They were booked into the Lassen County Jail and were held on $10,000 bail.
Sergeant Jones and the Sheriff’s Office thanked the members of the community that assisted in identifying and reporting this vehicle saying, “It was truly with help from this community that this crime was solved so swiftly.”
LCSO was assisted by an off-duty Cal-Fire Unit Chief, Susanville Police and California Highway Patrol Officers.
