Arson arrest in minor brush fire

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San Bernardino:

A man was arrested in San Bernardino for starting a brush fire Tuesday night that was quickly extinguished by bystanders, officials said.

John Alfred Rund, 48, of Hesperia was booked on suspicion of arson early this morning, said San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department spokeswoman Cindy Beavers.

CHP officers responded to a call about 8:50 p.m. Tuesday night of a brush fire started along Highway 173 south of Arrowhead Lake Road, Beavers said.

When they arrived on scene, four people were attempting to put out the brush fire using shovels and dirt.
Witnesses said they had seen a man squatting near the origin of the fire. They said he left on a Honda motorcycle, wearing a red-and-white striped helmet, Beavers said.

After an aerial search using infrared equipment, the motorcyclist was located, interviewed and arrested.
Sheriff’s investigators are trying to determine whether Rund is connected to any other fire in San Bernardino County.

Anyone with information is requested to call sheriff’s dispatch at (909) 387-8313, or (800) 78-CRIME and remain anonymous.

-- Tami Abdollah