Bakersfield Fire Seeks Man in Jones Street Arson Investigation

Investigators release surveillance images after structure fire

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — The Bakersfield Fire Department is asking the public to help identify a man investigators allege started an exterior fire that spread to a structure in the 100 block of Jones Street.

According to the department's public appeal, as reported Thursday by KGET, the fire occurred Sunday, September 13. Surveillance video recorded at about 3:20 a.m. allegedly shows an unknown man igniting the outside fire before it developed into a structure fire.

The department released surveillance images as part of the identification request. Investigators have not publicly named a suspect, announced an arrest or disclosed a motive.

Description released by fire investigators

The Bakersfield Fire Department described the person as a male with a lean-to-medium build and dark hair. Investigators said he wore a light-colored short-sleeve shirt, light-colored shorts and dark shoes.

The man was last pictured on a bicycle. The description is limited, and a resemblance in a surveillance image is not enough to establish identity or criminal responsibility.

Send information directly to investigators

Anyone with information should contact Bakersfield Fire Department arson investigators at 661-326-3691. Witnesses and nearby residents should preserve original, unedited surveillance or doorbell-camera files, including the time and date information attached to them.

Do not confront anyone, publish a name based on resemblance or circulate an accusation on social media. Tips belong with investigators, who can compare evidence and determine whether a person is connected to the case.

What officials have not announced

The public notice did not provide a damage estimate, say whether anyone was injured, identify the type of structure or disclose what evidence—apart from the reported surveillance video—supports the arson allegation.

No criminal charge has been announced. If a person is later arrested or charged, the allegation would still have to be proved in court; an investigation and an identification request are not findings of guilt.

About the image

The accompanying surveillance still was released by the Bakersfield Fire Department for the specific purpose of helping the public identify a person sought in an active arson investigation. It is reproduced without alteration, with agency attribution, for the same time-sensitive public-safety and news-reporting purpose.

The image is not public domain and is not presented as proof of identity or guilt. It should not be reused to accuse, harass or target any person. The Bakersfield Fire Department remains the proper recipient of identification information.