A transient was arrested Wednesday night, accused of arson at the Yucca Valley Community Center park. Yucca Valley firefighters were called to the park at 8:48 p.m. where they found a large cypress tree on fire near the picnic area, with embers threatening the covered picnic shelter and other vegetation. Fire crews were able to knock down the fire in five minutes, and damage was limited to the tree. Multiple people saw a man, later identified as Charles Lathrop, 63, light the fire using lighter fluid, and notified 911. Deputies located Lathrop near Antelope Trail and Dumosa Avenue. Charles Lathrop was arrested for investigation of arson, and on two warrants, booked into the Morongo Basin Jail with his bail set at $50,000.
