A San Joaquin County man accused of setting a probation officer on fire has been ordered to stand trial on a slate of serious felony charges after a preliminary hearing, according to prosecutors. The move follows a July 10, 2025 attack that left a probation officer badly burned and damaged a civilian vehicle.
Charges and court schedule
In a Facebook post, the San Joaquin County District Attorney's Office said 39-year-old Adam Lopez was held to answer on multiple felony counts, including attempted murder of a peace officer, attempted arson of an inhabited structure, arson of a civilian vehicle, aggravated mayhem and resisting an executive officer. Prosecutors allege Lopez used gasoline and lighters as accelerants, note that he has two prior strike convictions, and say he remains in custody with no bail allowed. According to the post, an arraignment on the information is scheduled for June 15 at 8:30 AM in Department 8B of the Superior Court.
How the attack unfolded
Local coverage reported that the July incident began when a man walked into the San Joaquin County Probation lobby carrying a gas can and a lighter, then later confronted officers outside near South San Joaquin and East Lafayette streets. During a struggle, the man allegedly ignited the fuel, burning one probation officer and damaging a vehicle, as reported by CBS Sacramento. Responding probation officers and nearby law enforcement were able to put out the flames and detain the suspect, who was treated at a hospital before being booked, according to local reports. The DA's post states that Officer James Christensen suffered serious injuries, and investigators say a second officer briefly had clothing catch fire during the confrontation.
Prosecutor's statement and legal context
District Attorney Ron Freitas has described the attack as deliberate and targeted. His office says enhancements for great bodily injury and use of a deadly weapon are attached to the attempted murder count. In a press release, the DA's office outlined the attempted murder charge under Penal Code §664/187(a) along with the attempted arson and related counts, and warned it intends to prosecute the case vigorously.
What comes next
Lopez is scheduled for arraignment on the information on June 15. If the case moves to trial, prosecutors and court filings indicate that his prior strike convictions could significantly increase any prison term. Local reporting and court notices from the original July arraignment stated that prosecutors say he faces decades in state prison if convicted, potentially a 50-to-life sentence depending on enhancements and strikes.
