Keanu Rudy Dude, a 25-year-old man from San Carlos, Arizona, has been arrested on arson charges in connection with a fire that occurred last July on the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation. Federal authorities report that Dude, a member of the San Carlos Apache Tribe, is accused of starting the Watch Fire, which burned more than 2,000 acres, destroyed 21 homes, and led to the evacuation of approximately 400 families, according to the United States Attorney’s Office.
Dude was indicted by a federal grand jury in Phoenix, with the arrest announced on Friday. The initial court appearance is scheduled for February 24. The investigation leading to the arrest was a joint effort by the FBI’s Phoenix Field Office, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and local San Carlos enforcement and forestry departments. The United States Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, Phoenix, will prosecute the case, which has been assigned case number CR-24-1579-PHX-DJH.
Residents of the San Carlos community and the public are following the case involving Dude, who faces charges related to the July 2024 fire on the reservation, which caused damage to homes and disruption. The legal process will determine the outcome, with a jury reviewing the evidence. Authorities are managing the investigation and trial, and further updates will follow Dude's initial court appearance. Community leaders have not yet commented on the arrest, as reported by the United States Attorney’s Office.
