Witnesses, Drone Pin Down Local Arson Suspects

Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (Con Fire) announced the recent arrests of two separate subjects sought in connection with suspicious fires believed set in Antioch and Bay Point.

On March 22, Con Fire investigators arrested Emanuel Serrano, 25, a transient, in the vicinity of two vegetation fires burning along Highway Four near Evora and Willow Pass Roads in Bay Point.

Investigators determined that the fires originated along the walking trail next to westbound Highway 4. As crews were arriving, a witness pointed out a subject observed starting the fires.

Investigators checked the area and observed Serrano running through a nearby field. A search on foot and from above with an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) located the suspect hiding in tall vegetation on a nearby hill where he was taken into custody.

Witnesses positively identified Serrano as the individual seen starting the fires. Investigators conducted an “origin and cause” investigation, which did not reveal ignition sources other than human activity in the area of the fires. Serrano was transported to and booked into the Martinez Detention Facility, charged with two counts of Arson of a Structure or Forest Land.

On March 21, a Con Fire investigator responded to an exterior fire burning in brush along the sound wall near Larkspur Drive and Hillcrest Avenue in Antioch. Jason Mcgee, 27, a transient living in Antioch, had been spotted in the area and was identified as a
suspect.

During questioning, McGee admitted to lighting the fire and a witness in the area further identified him as the person seen lighting another fire the previous Friday. McGee was subsequently arrested for both fires and transported to the Martinez Detention Facility for booking on two charges of Arson of a Structure or Forest Land.

Con Fire’s Fire Investigation Unit asks residents to help them fight arson by calling the Arson Tip Line at 1-866-50-ARSON. They caution residents not to hesitate on information that seems too little or unimportant, adding some of the most valuable tips come from residents who were not aware what they saw was very important to the investigation of an incident.

Residents can leave a recorded message on the tip line about fire-related criminal activity in English or Spanish. Tips can be anonymous, and all tips are treated confidentially. But investigators sometimes need additional information, so contact information is encouraged.