A 20-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of arson and possession of explosive devices after allegedly setting a brush fire and threatening a park ranger in DeLuz, authorities said.
The San Diego County Sheriff’s Department reported that deputies from the Fallbrook Sheriff’s Substation responded to a brush fire near the Santa Margarita River Trail Preserve in De Luz just before 11:30 a.m. on Friday, February 28. Upon arrival, a park ranger identified a man who had allegedly started the fire and threatened the ranger with a knife.
Deputies confronted the suspect, later identified as Neema Ahmadpour, who was reportedly uncooperative and combative. Authorities said force was used to take him into custody.
Firefighters from CAL FIRE/San Diego County Fire and the North County Fire Protection District arrived on the scene to contain the blaze. According to CAL Fire, the fire burned approximately half an acre before being extinguished. According to the Sheriff’s Dept. it was contained at about one acre. No structures were threatened. Sheriff deputies also used fire extinguishers to attempt to contain the fire before fire personnel arrived.
During a search of Ahmadpour’s vehicle, deputies discovered several Molotov cocktails that were ready for use. CAL FIRE arson investigators joined the case and, after collecting evidence, determined Ahmadpour was linked to at least two prior brush fires in San Diego County.
Ahmadpour was arrested on multiple felony charges, including arson, possession of explosive devices, and violently resisting arrest. He was booked into the Vista Detention Facility with a bail enhancement. Court records indicate that he faces the following charges:
- 2800.2(A) VC – Evading a peace officer with disregard for safety (Felony) – No bail
- 242 PC – Battery (Misdemeanor) – No bail
- 69 PC – Obstructing or resisting an executive officer (Felony) – Bail: $20,000
- 451(C) PC – Arson of forest land (Felony) – Bail: $750,000
- 451.1(A)(5) PC – Aggravated arson with prior conviction or special circumstances (Felony) – No bail
- 453(A) PC – Possession of arson materials or devices (Felony) – No bail
- 454(A)(2) PC – Arson committed during a declared state of emergency (Felony) – No bail
- 16460(A)(5) PC – Possession of a destructive device (Felony) – No bail
- 18715(A)(1) PC – Possession of an explosive device in a public place (Felony) – No bail
His arraignment is scheduled for March 4 at the North County Vista Courthouse.
Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine if Ahmadpour is connected to additional fires in the region.
Anyone with information regarding the case is urged to contact the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department or Crime Stoppers.
Press release from the San Diego County Sheriff’s Department and CAL Fire were used as sources for this story
