A brush fire in North County sparked under suspicious circumstances led to the arrest of a man who is now facing multiple counts of arson and possessing explosives. According to the San Diego Sheriff’s Department, the incident occurred yesterday near the Santa Margarita River Trail Preserve in De Luz.
The suspect, identified as Neema Ahmadpour, born December 10, 2004, was alleged to have been seen starting the fire before threatening a park ranger with a knife. When deputies from the Fallbrook Sheriff's Substation arrived just before 11:30 a.m., the ranger pointed them to Ahmadpour, who subsequently became combatant and required force to be taken into custody. Deputies quickly extinguished the fire using fire extinguishers but could not contain it successfully. Firefighters from CAL FIRE/San Diego County Fire and the North County Fire Protection District took over, eventually putting out a blaze that scorched approximately an acre.
Upon searching Ahmadpour's vehicle, deputies discovered several Molotov cocktails ready for deployment. "CAL FIRE/San Diego County Fire Arson Investigators arrived on the scene to assist with the investigation," the San Diego Sheriff’s Department reported. These investigators later ascertained Ahmadpour's involvement in at least two other brush fires within the county.
Ultimately, Ahmadpour was arrested and charged with multiple felony offenses, including multiple counts of arson and possession of explosive devices, along with a charge for violently resisting arrest. Investigators and deputies worked together to piece together evidence quickly, leading to the suspect's swift apprehension. Ahmadpour is set to be booked into the Vista Detention Facility, with bail enhancements applicable due to the severity of the charges.
