Redlands Domestic Violence Suspect Sets Fire To His Home, Killing 4 Pets: PD

REDLANDS, CA — A man who allegedly set a house fire that killed three cats and a dog did so in a rage amid a fight with his girlfriend, according to police.

Ryan Winston Stewart, 38, of Redlands was booked Friday into county jail on suspicion of arson, corporal injury of a coinhabitant, and intentional animal cruelty.

According to the Redlands Police Department, local firefighters were called to a home in the 800 block of Occidental Drive at approximately 8 p.m. Friday. Crews found "a well-established fire" at the front of the single-story home.

The flames were quickly extinguished, preventing further spread. The blaze was brought under control within about 15 minutes, according to police.

Stewart and his girlfriend lived at the home, and both escaped injuries, but the pets did not survive.

According to police, Stewart started the fire during a domestic violence incident. He tried to run from officers by fleeing down an alley before he was apprehended and arrested, police reported.

Stewart was released from custody Saturday in lieu of $80,000 bail, jail records show.

The Red Cross was called to provide emergency shelter for the girlfriend.