Man allegedly sets fire to “yield” sign in Twentynine Palms, dog bites responding officer
A man was arrested for investigation into setting fire to a yield sign in Twentynine Palms, during which his dog is alleged to have bitten a deputy.
On Wednesday, April 16, at around 9:15 a.m., San Bernardino County Fire crews and San Bernardino County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a report of a fire near the intersection of Twentynine Palms Highway and Mariposa Avenue in Twentynine Palms.
County Fire says that they arrived to find a yield sign at the intersection burning. A single engine was able to extinguish the fire in less than 20 minutes.
Deputies determined evidence of arson and identified the suspect as Donaciano Cortez, 51. Deputies contacted Cortez at the scene, and determined that he started the fire with a cigarette lighter. Cortez was in possession of a dog, who bit one of the responding deputies. The deputy did not require medical attention.
Deputies say that Cortez was suffering from a medical condition, and was taken to a hospital by Morongo Basin Ambulance. Cortez has not yet been booked on any charges due to his hospitalization.
