According to a release from the County Sheriff’s Department, Thursday (May 26), deputies from the Morongo Basin Sheriff’s Station responded to reports of a fire near Elk Trail in Yucca Valley. When deputies arrived, they immediately identified an area where they believe the fire started. While driving to that spot, deputies noticed a Toyota Prius driving away from the scene, and conducted a traffic stop. The deputies discovered the subjects in the vehicle, identified as Liam Stinson, 18, of Valley Center and Aaron McKeeman, 18, of Carlsbad had been camping in the area and ignited dry bush. The fire quickly spread, and they were unable to control it. Stinson and McKeeman were both arrested for investigation of Felony Arson and booked at the Morongo Basin jail where they are being held on $25,000 bail. Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to call the Morongo Basin Sheriff’s Station at 760-366-4175.
2 TEENS ARRESTED, ACCUSED OF STARTING THE ELK FIRE
