Date: 06/13/2024

Location: 1320 Airport Road, Ukiah, CA       

Suspect #1: Cabezas-Tafoya, Oscar-24-Year-Old Ukiah, CA male.

Victim: State of California

Charges: 452(c) PC-Unlawfully Setting a Wildfire (Felony)

On 06/13/2024 at approximately 12:14 pm, Ukiah Police Department (UPD) and Ukiah Valley Fire Authority (UVFA) personnel were dispatched to the 1300 block of Airport Road in Ukiah regarding a grass fire in the field. A UVFA Fire Chief was in the area and saw the fire immediately after it started and responded to put it out. Immediately upon arrival, he noticed one male, later identified as Oscar Cabezas-Tafoya, attempting to walk away from the fire. Cabezas-Tafoya was the only person in the area at the time of the fire and he was detained for questioning. The UVFA was able to quickly contain the fire. The burn consisted of a 20x20 square foot area of dry grass. 

UPD Officers and a UVFA Arson Investigators inspected the scene and found physical evidence indicating this fire was either intentionally or accidentally set. Cabezas-Tafoya was interviewed at the scene. Based on his statements and physical evidence, it was determined he was responsible for setting the fire. Cabezas-Tafoya was placed under arrest for felony violation of 452(c) PC, unlawfully setting and wildfire. Cabezas-Tafoya was booked and lodged at the Mendocino County Jail.

Ukiah Police Department would like to thank personnel from the Ukiah Valley Fire Authority for their assistance in this investigation. 

As always, UPD’s mission is to make Ukiah as safe as possible. If you would like to know more about crime in your neighborhood, you can sign up for telephone, cellphone, and email notifications by clicking the Nixle button on our website; www.ukiahpolice.com.

Download: 24-1216.pdf