Arson Arrests Made In Bay Point, Antioch Fires: Con Fire

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA — Fire investigators made arrests in the last 48 hours in two separate intentionally set fires in Antioch and Bay Point, the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District said.

Emmanual Serrano, 25, was arrested in connection with two vegetation fires that burned Tuesday along state Highway 4 near Evora and Willow Pass roads in Bay Point.

The fires originated along the walking trail next to westbound SR-4, according to Con Fire Spokesperson Steve Hill.

"As crews were arriving, a witness pointed out a subject who they had observed starting the fires," Hill said. "Investigators checked the area and observed Serrano running through a nearby field."

Authorities searched for the suspect on foot and used a drone to search from the air, and found Serrano hiding nearby in tall vegetation, Hill said.

Serrano was taken into custody was positively identified by witnesses as the person they saw starting the fires, Hill said.

One of the fires burned at least an acre, while the second fire burned about 2.5 acres.

• RELATED COVERAGE: Crews Contain Willow Pass Fires Along Highway 4 In Bay Point

"Investigators conducted an 'origin and cause' investigation, which did not reveal ignition sources other than human activity in the area of the fires," Hill said.

Serrano was booked into the Martinez jail on suspicion of two counts of arson.

The previous day, a 27-year-old Antioch transient, Jason McGee, was arrested in connection with a fire that burned in brush along a sound wall near Larkspur Drive and Hillcrest Avenue in Antioch, Hill said.

McGee was seen in the area of the fire and admitted during questioning to lighting the fire, authorities said.

A witness in the area further identified McGee as the person who lit a fire the previous Friday, according to Con Fire.

McGee was booked into the Martinez jail on suspicion of two counts of arson in connection with the two fires.