Victorville Man Arrested for Setting Home & Attempting to Set Patrol Vehicle on Fire

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VICTORVILLE, Ca. – A 25-year-old Victorville man was arrested on Monday for arson after allegedly setting fire to a home, authorities said.

On April 27, 2020, at around 1:52 p.m. deputies from the Victor Valley and Victorville station responded to the report of arson in the 13700 block of San Martin Road in the County area of Victorville. The report indicated that a man wearing a black shirt was witnessed throwing gas on a home before setting fire to it.

Anthony Rivera was at the home and was questioned by responding deputies. Deputies also searched Rivera and witnesses. Through investigation, it was learned that Rivera poured 130 feet of gas around the perimeter of the home before setting fire to it. The home did not belong to Rivera and he did not know anyone who lives at the home. Rivera also lit and threw matches on the rubber floorboard of the patrol vehicle while the deputy stepped away. The matches were still in Rivera’s possession and he continued striking them as the deputy was returning to the vehicle, which was full of smoke. No fire started as a result of his actions.

Rivera was arrested and booked at the High Desert Detention Center for Arson and is being held in lieu of $50,000 bail.

Anyone with information regarding this crime is urged to contact Deputy Kevin Kraft at Victor Valley Sheriff’s Station, (760) 552-6800. Persons wishing to remain anonymous can report information to WeTip by calling 1-800-78-CRIME, or by accessing the website at www.wetip.com.