Arsonist Pleads Not Guilty

VICTORVILLE — A man suspected of starting a fire off Highway 173 in Summit Valley - while major wildfires raged in the San Bernardino Mountains - pleaded not guilty to arson charges today.
John Alfred Rund entered the plea during an arraignment via video in Victorville Superior Court.
Rund faces charges of arson, arson during a state of emergency and possessing a flammable liquid and/or incendiary device, said Deputy District Attorney Michelle Lauron, who appeared in court.
Rund has not been connected to any other wildfires, Lauron said.
If convicted, the defendant faces a up to 10 years in state prison. He is being held on $750,000 bail.
The 48-year-old Rund, of Hesperia, was arrested late Tuesday after authorities followed him to an address on Highway 173, in the community of Summit Valley.
Witnesses allegedly spotted Rund start a fire in brush on Highway 173, south of Arrowhead Lake Road, then leave on a Honda motorcycle.
Summit Valley is in unincorporated San Bernardino County.
-- Mike Cruz