Man arrested for arson and parole violation after allegedly setting Western Joshua Tree on fire

A man was arrested after allegedly setting a Joshua Tree on fire near Old Woman Springs Road.

On December 30 at around 9:00 p.m., San Bernardino County Sheriff’s deputies say they responded to a report of a tree being set on fire near the intersection of Old Woman Springs Road and Sunnyslope Drive in Yucca Valley. Deputies and a crew from San Bernardino County Fire responded to the scene to find a Western Joshua Tree and a banner from a local business on fire.

The fire was quickly extinguished and the Sheriff’s Department says that witnesses identified Anthony Grigley, 68, as the person who allegedly set the fire. Deputies searched Grigley who was found to be in possession of a cigarette lighter.

Anthony Grigley was arrested on suspicion of unlawfully causing a forest fire, arson, and violating parole. Grigley has been convicted several times of felony vandalism. He is being held at the West Valley Detention Center on $200,000 bail.