A Cathedral City man was arrested on Saturday after he reportedly threatened and interfered with firefighters as they battled a brush fire in Morongo Valley. According to the SBSD Morongo Basin Sheriff's Department, deputies responded to the scene around 3:48 p.m. to assist Cal Fire personnel with a suspect who was obstructing emergency responders.
49-year-old James Moretti was observed wielding a knife and using an open flame device to ignite grass and brush. Officials say that Moretti confronted the firefighters, made threats, and prohibited them from engaging the fire, which prompted an urgent call for law enforcement support. Upon arrival, deputies found Moretti still attempting to start more fires and refusing to comply with orders to disarm, as noted by the SBSD Morongo Basin Sheriff's Department. The stand-off led to deputies employing less lethal force, resulting in minor injuries to the suspect.
The sheriff's department detailed that Moretti faced multiple charges including arson to wildlands and threatening a public official. Moretti was provided medical treatment prior to his booking at West Valley Detention Center, where his bail was set at $70,000. The fire, which constituted a mix of grass and bush, was successfully contained and extinguished without further incident thanks to the efforts of the fire personnel.
The public has been urged to come forward with any information they may have regarding the case. The authorities' contact information and a tip line have been made available for those who wish to provide information anonymously. Moretti's motives have not been detailed in reports, and an arraignment date has yet to be announced.
