Arson Suspect Arrested In Banning's Sunset Fire

BANNING, CA — The Sunset Fire that broke out Thursday evening in Banning was arson and a suspect has been arrested, Cal Fire announced Friday.

"Today, we are pleased to announce that the CAL FIRE Law Enforcement team has successfully apprehended an individual linked to the ignition of the fire," the state agency said in a news release.

Andre Delgado Cox Jr., 45, was taken into custody shortly after 12 a.m. Friday on N. Highland Springs Avenue in Banning. He was booked into Banning's Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility on suspicion of arson to a forestland and arson during a declared state of emergency, both felonies.

He was also booked on misdemeanor charges of possession of methamphetamine and possession of paraphernalia.

It's not clear what evidence led investigators to Cox.

"Arson is a serious offense, and we will continue to collaborate with our law enforcement partners to prevent such incidents and hold accountable those who put lives and property at risk," the Cal Fire news release said.

Court records show Cox has a history of drug convictions.

Roads reopened and all evacuation orders and warnings were lifted Friday as crews gained the upper hand on the non-injury Sunset Fire.

At 12 p.m. Friday, Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department announced evacuations were lifted for the 103-acre blaze that was 90 percent contained. Road closures were also lifted, the agency said.

The Sunset Fire broke out shortly after 6 p.m. Thursday near Mesa and Gilman streets. By 11 p.m. Thursday, the fire department reported the blaze's "forward rate of spread" was stopped.

Anyone with information relevant to the Sunset Fire or any other suspicious activity is urged to contact the Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department's arson hotline at 800-633-2836.

The Sunset Fire was reported shortly after a brush fire broke out east of Temecula. Read more about the Bonny Fire here.