Investigation into fire near Tortoise Rock Casino results in arrest for arson

One person was arrested on suspicion of arson after allegedly starting a fire near Tortoise Rock Casino.

On Sunday (May 24) at around 9:00 a.m., San Bernardino County Sheriff’s deputies, crews from San Bernardino County Fire, and security officers from Tortoise Rock Casino responded to a report of a fire in the open desert area near the casino. Deputies say that Christian Braxton, 35, attempted to start a fire with lighter fluid and toilet paper. 

Tortoise Rock staff was able to extinguish the fire with an extinguisher. No injuries were reported. Braxton was found to be a felon on probation and taken into custody.

Christian Braxton was arrested on suspicion of arson and violating the terms of his release from prison. He is being held at the West Valley Detention Center without bail.