JARIED MICHAIL ESCOBEDO

The suspected arsonist in the Waterman Fire on March 21 — Jaried Michail Escobedo — returns to court August 23 for a disposition/reset hearing. (Photo by Tory Brumm Ward)

By Michael P. Neufeld

San Bernardino, CA - Arson suspect Jaried Michail Escobedo, 27,  returns to court for a disposition/reset hearing on Friday, August 23, at 8:30 a.m. in Department S-27. Escobedo allegedly set at least five spot fires in the Waterman Canyon area on March 21.

Escobedo — who has entered not guilty pleas to all counts, including arson with great bodily injury — is free on $250,000 bail. The great bodily injury charge stems from injuries sustained by Joshua Boehm while he was trying to put out one of the spot fires.

THE CASE

On March 21, Escobedo was allegedly spotted in the area of at least five spot fires in Waterman Canyon by authorities, according to scanner reports of the incident. The spotting reportedly came after tips and assistance from two citizens who used a fire extinguisher to try and knock down the flames.

Escobedo was spotted by a San Bernardino County Sheriff’s helicopter and deputies. San Bernardino Police and Forest Service law enforcement personnel also joined the search and located Escobedo hiding in thick brush a short distance from one of the fires. A foot pursuit up a steep hillside began. At one point, Escobedo started rolling down the hillside and was eventually captured as he tried to escape by a San Bernardino Police officer.

The suspect was arrested just before 4 p.m., transported to a hospital for treatment of injuries sustained in his roll down the hillside and then booked at the West Valley Detention Center.

THE PLEA

On June 20, Escobedo entered a not guilty plea to all charges before Judge R. Glenn Yabuno. He also denied special allegations.

On July 5, a pretrial hearing was disposed and the August 23 hearing was established. The defendant was ordered to appear on the hearing date. (135)