Arson in Mountain View: Man Arrested in Cuesta Park Fires

A dangerous incident unfolded on August 8, 2023, at Mountain View's Cuesta Park when a man allegedly set a dumpster on fire, putting families and nearby properties at risk. According to the Mountain View Police Department, at around 9:30 pm, dispatchers received calls about a fire, with callers identifying 43-year-old Bryan Duncan as the suspect responsible for igniting the flames.

Mountain View firefighters responded to the scene and managed to extinguish the fire before it could spread to nearby trees, shrubbery, or a local church situated close to the flaming dumpster. Officers arrived shortly after and spoke with Duncan, who was still in the vicinity. Their investigation led them to find items that may have been used to ignite the dumpster fire, according to the police department report.

Fortunately, no other damage was caused, thanks to the swift response of the Mountain View Fire Department. However, the incident raised concerns as families with small children were still enjoying the park when the dumpster caught fire. 

In light of the evidence and their conversation with Duncan, Mountain View patrol officers ultimately arrested him on suspicion of arson and vandalism. He was then booked into the Santa Clara County Jail.