A fire developed on the evening of July 14, drawing the attention not only of Howard Forest Dispatch but also of the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies responded to the 22000 block of Covelo Refuse Road. Their press release states that “Round Valley Tribal Police had contacted and detained a subject at the location.”
30-year-old Carmelo Delgado was interviewed and said he lit the fire “to get attention.”
A witness confirmed that the suspect was arguing with someone prior to the fire.
The highly intoxicated Delgado was apologetic about trying to start the fire and even helped the witness to put it out.
The fire was contained to less than four acres. At least 90 bales of harvested hay were destroyed in the fire.
The MCSO concludes, “Delgado was arrested for intentionally starting a fire causing property damage (451(D) PC), the destruction of property (594(B)(1) PC), and being intoxicated in public (647(F) PC).”
At the Mendocino County Jail Delgado was held on a $25,000 bail.
