Cal-Fire Law Enforcement Officers arrested 50-year old Susanville resident William Theodore Cutler Thursday for multiple counts of arson using an incendiary device according to details released today by the state agency. Cal-Fire has alleged that Cutler is responsible for a recent series of fires in and around the Susanville area in Lassen County.
Cutler was booked into Lassen County Jail on suspicion of violating multiple counts of Penal Code Sections 451(c) and (d), willfully and maliciously causing a fire to forest land and property and Penal Code Section 453(a), possession of flammable or combustible materials with the intent to use.
Bail has been set at one million dollars.
Cal-Fire worked closely with the Lassen County District Attorney’s Office, Lassen County Sheriff’s Office and Susanville Police Department during the investigation and arrest.
“During this historic drought and extreme fire activity our law enforcement officers have been extremely busy working to reduce the number of wildfires sparked in California,” said Chief Ken Pimlott, Cal-Fire Director. “We will continue to seek prosecution to the fullest extent under the law for anyone who is believed to have committed such a heinous act like arson.”
Residents should be vigilant in their preparedness and aware of suspicious persons when a fire does start. Suspicious activity should be reported including the time, individual’s physical description, and a vehicle description, including the license plate number. Always contact law enforcement, never approach a suspicious person. Anyone with information about arson is urged to contact the Cal-Fire Arson Hotline at 1-800-468-4408. Callers can remain anonymous.
Additional inquiries regarding this case should be directed to the Lassen County District Attorney’s Office.
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