A 45-year-old Bend man was arrested for setting his house on fire and purposely blocking the driveway to keep firefighters out. According to information from the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office:
On March 19, 2024 at approximately 1733 hours, Deputies responded to a reported structure fire in the 25800 block of Alfalfa Market Road east of Bend. While in route, Deputies learned the homeowner had called 911 to report he had set his own house on fire. The house is located at the end of a long driveway off of Alfalfa Market Road with fencing on either side, limiting maneuverability for responding emergency vehicles.
Upon arrival, Deputies discovered an overturned Toyota Tacoma pickup on its side blocking access to the property. The suspect was observed driving a skid-steer on the property, and positioned it next to the overturned pickup, further impeding access. He climbed on top of the skidsteer and waved to deputies while they attempted contact with P.A. announcements.
At this point, the residence on the property was fully engulfed while the suspect was refusing to approach Deputies. Alfalfa Fire was on scene, but unable to access the property due to the blocked driveway.
A decision was made to contact and detain the homeowner due to the growing danger of the fire spreading to neighboring properties. Deputies had also been unable to confirm if anyone else was on the property that needed assistance.
After approaching the suspect, he surrendered to Deputies. The investigation confirmed the homeowner had set the fire, and had purposely blocked the driveway to impede fire response from putting out the fire. No one else was located on the property.
The suspect was transported to the Deschutes County Adult Jail and charged with: Obstructing Governmental or Judicial Administration and Criminal Mischief in the First Degree.
