Courtesy of the San Benito County Sheriff’s Office:
Following a series of fires, San Benito County Sheriff’s Office Detective Jason Leist worked with the Hollister Fire Department arson investigation team to locate a possible suspect in yesterday’s fire near Hospital Road.
Detective Leist was able to identify Robert Tanner, 43 years old, of Hollister as the person who had left an unattended fire in the area. He was arrested on suspicion of violating California Penal Code 452, a felony.
Witnesses watched Tanner’s campfire re-ignite as the winds picked up yesterday afternoon. The fire quickly spread and was stopped by a rapid response from HFD, North County Fire Protection District, CAL FIRE and CAL FIRE BEU.
Our office is aware of the encampments along the river. We are working with our county partners and the private property owners along the river on solutions. We are also investigating whether or not Tanner is responsible for the other fires locally.
Your San Benito County Arson Task Force is led by the Hollister Fire Department and is comprised of investigators from our office and Hollister Police Department.
If you have any information, please contact Detective Leist at [email protected].
