This is a press release from the Mendocino County Sheriff’s Office. The information has not been proven in a court of law and any individuals described should be presumed innocent until proven guilty:
On 7-14-2020 at about 6:30 PM, Howard Forest Dispatch was advised of a fire in the 22000 block of Covelo Refuse Rd. in Covelo, California. Sheriff’s Office Deputies also began responding, and heard Round Valley Tribal Police had contacted and detained a subject at the location.
Deputies responded and talked to the suspect, identified as Carmelo Delgado. Delgado advised he set the fire using a lighter to “get attention.” Deputies also spoke to a witness in the area. It appears Delgado was arguing with some unknown person who left just prior to Delgado starting the fire. Delgado apologized for starting the fire and tried to assist the witness in putting out the fire. Delgado was highly intoxicated during the incident.
Round Valley Fire along with Cal Fire resources responded and contained the fire to approximately 4 acres. The field that burned had been recently harvested into bales of hay which sell for about $12 a bale, with a minimum of 90 bales destroyed due to the fire.
Delgado was arrested for intentionally starting a fire causing property damage (451(D) PC), the destruction of property (594(B)(1) PC), and being intoxicated in public (647(F) PC).
Delgado was transported to the Mendocino County Jail on the above charges and was to be held in lieu of $25,000 bail.
Approved by:
Lieutenant Quincy Cromer #2651
