Haystack Arsonist Arrested in Imperial County; Possibly Linked to Other Recent Haystack Fires
Calexico - On Wednesday, July 3, 2024, at approximately 6:00 AM, Imperial County Sheriff’s Deputies from the South County Patrol division responded to a report of an arson incident near East Cole Road and Bowker Road, just outside Calexico. The previous night, haystacks in the area had been set ablaze.
Upon arrival, the Sheriff’s Agriculture Crimes Investigators began an immediate investigation. Initial findings and statements led to the identification of Robert Lee Law, a 47-year-old transient from Phoenix, Arizona, as the prime suspect in the arson case. Evidence collected at the scene linked Law to the fire, prompting his arrest. He has been booked into the Imperial County Jail on charges of arson (451 P.C.) and possession of a dirk or dagger (21310 (a) P.C.). His bail has been set at $35,000.00.
Sheriff-Coroner-Marshal Fred Miramontes confirmed that the case has been forwarded to the Imperial County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution. The investigation is ongoing to determine if Law has connections to other arson incidents in the region.
Sheriff’s Investigator Miguel Verdugo commented on the case, stating, “As to what it looks like, we talk to him and the investigative unit, it doesn’t look like there was a motive, there’s nothing showing of any clear sign of why he did it.” He added, “We highly suspect that he was also the one involved in the fire on Highway 98 and Barber Worth. I don’t think he’s related to any of the ones up north.”
Verdugo further suggested that Law’s actions appeared to be random, without any specific grudge against local farmers or individuals. The fire on Highway 98 and Barber Worth occurred on June 12th, with Law being contacted by authorities on the same day. However, there was insufficient evidence at the time to directly link him to that fire.
The Sheriff’s Office urges anyone with additional information to come forward and assist in the ongoing investigation. Those with pertinent details can contact Investigator Miguel Verdugo at 442-265-2050.