A Flagstaff man has been handed a 20-month prison sentence, followed by 60 months of supervised release for committing arson in Grand Canyon National Park. Dahntay Dunbar, 21, pleaded guilty to setting ablaze a dwelling in the park on July 8, 2024, according to a press release by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Senior U.S. District Judge Roslyn O. Silver also ordered Dunbar to pay restitution of $20,146.13. The incident, as described by authorities, took place throughout May 17-18 when Dunbar unlawfully entered a cabin belonging to his former girlfriend, who was not present during the incursion. Utilizing a bottle of clear liquor, Dunbar initiated the fire by soaking a bed with the liquid before lighting a shirt on fire and placing it on the bed, the cabin suffered smoke and burn damage as a result.
Fortunately, a witness spotted the fire and intervened, managing to contain it significantly before the arrival of fire services. Dunbar was taken into custody on unrelated charges by National Park Service law enforcement shortly thereafter, whereupon he admitted his arsonous act.
The investigation was carried forward by National Park Service special agents and rangers, supplemented by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The prosecution was managed by the United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Flagstaff. Dunbar's case, bearing the number CR-24-08061-001-PCT-RSO, brings to light the issue of domestic violence spilling over into public domains, an often unseen consequence of personal grievances.
.jpeg){kind=link}