An individual with a criminal record stands accused of intentionally starting a fire that burned 100 acres in Banning, causing the need for evacuations. The suspect, Andre Delgado Cox Jr., pleaded not guilty to charges of arson, possession of drug paraphernalia, and perpetrating arson in an area under a state of emergency. This state of emergency stems from a previous wildfire in the same area, which has yet to be officially resolved.
Following an investigation by Cal Fire personnel, Cox was taken into custody on Friday. Riverside County Superior Court Judge Joshlyn Pulliam presided over the arraignment, setting a felony settlement conference for August 10th at the Banning Justice Center. Currently, Cox is being held at the Smith Correctional Facility on $160,000 bail.
Cal Fire has stated that the defendant played a direct role in causing the “Sunset Fire,” which began on Thursday evening at the intersection of Gilman and Mesa streets, near the San Bernardino National Forest.
The details of Cox’s motive and methods have not been disclosed. However, the brush fire resulted in evacuation orders and warnings in the Repplier Road and San Gorgonio Avenue areas, with closures on several roads. Fortunately, the fire was fully contained on Friday, and no injuries or structural damage were reported.
Court records indicate that Cox has previous convictions in another jurisdiction that led to imprisonment, though the specific offenses were not disclosed.
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