By DOUGLAS W. MOTLEY
Senior Writer
Line Fire arson suspect Justin Wayne Halstenberg, 34, of Norco, entered a plea of not guilty at his San Bernardino County Superior Court video arraignment hearing, which was done from jail on Tuesday, Sept. 17.
Halstenberg reportedly denied starting the wildfire that forced the evacuation of thousands of homes and other structures in Running Springs, Arrowbear and Highland and burned nearly 40,000 acres of brush and chaparral. Investigators said a total of 73,000 buildings were threatened by flames.
He was arrested after investigators reviewed surveillance camera video and automatic license plate readers, as well as undisclosed evidence from several eyewitnesses. Following a search of the suspect’s residence, investigators found evidence supporting an arrest and also located the pickup sought in connection with the arson investigation.
San Bernardino County District Attorney Jason Anderson filed charges against Halstenberg on Thursday, Sept. 12, alleging arson and other crimes related to the fire, including aggravated arson, arson causing great bodily injury, arson of residence, three counts of arson of national forest land and three counts of using an incendiary device. Prosecutors said more charges are possible as the fire continues to burn. At press time on Tuesday, the Line Fire was declared 50 percent contained at 39,181 acres.
If convicted as charged, Halstenberg, a FedEx contract delivery driver being held at the sheriff’s West Valley Detention Center, could be sentenced to serve 10 years to life in a state prison. A FedEx spokesperson said Monday that Halstenberg was no longer a contractor for the company, nor was he at the time the fire broke out.
During the arraignment, Halstenberg was denied bail and appointed an attorney. His next court appearance is slated for Monday, Sept. 23.
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