A Twentynine Palms man was arrested Thursday, accused of starting a fire at an abandoned home in Twentynine Palms earlier this week. About 3:15 p.m. Tuesday, firefighters were called to a fire in the 7300 block of Saladin Avenue. Investigators believe squatters were living in the home. Fire crews were able to quickly knock down the blaze and saved the structure. Deputies showed neighbors images of suspects believed to be involved with the fire. On Thursday, a neighbor called to report that a suspect was at the home. Deputies contacted the suspect, identified as Joseph McGee, 23. McGee resisted when the deputy tried to detain him. Joseph McGee was arrested for investigation of arson and resisting arrest, and on a $50,000 warrant for disorderly conduct and was booked into the West Valley Detention Center with his total bail set at $100,000. It’s not known if this arson is related to the string of 11 arsons of abandoned cabins in Wonder Valley and Twentynine Palms.
