Woman accused of setting Isleton vegetation fire arrested following tip
A woman accused of setting a vegetation fire in Isleton was arrested June 23 while firefighters were still working to contain the blaze, according to the River Delta Fire District.
The fire was reported at approximately 8:59 a.m. at the intersection of Sixth and H streets. The Isleton Fire Department and other emergency crews also responded, according to a River Delta Fire District news release.
The suspect, Kimberlee Anne Gerhart, was arrested while the fire was still burning and remains in custody at the Sacramento County Main Jail with bail set at $10,000 after entering a not guilty plea in Sacramento Superior Court on July 8.
A chief officer with the River Delta Fire District was the first to arrive at the scene and organized the initial fire suppression efforts. As fire crews managed the blaze, a witness provided information to a River Delta Fire District investigator about the person believed to have started the fire.
Investigators from the River Delta Fire District and the Montezuma Fire District then collaborated with the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office to identify and arrest Gerhart.
In a statement, Fire Chief Paul Cutino thanked community members for providing information and recognized the collaboration among agencies that helped the fire district successfully investigate the alleged arson.
“The successful identification and arrest of the suspect during an active emergency highlights the value of strong interagency partnerships and the vigilance of community members willing to come forward with information,” Cutino said. “We remain committed to aggressively investigating arson-related crimes and holding those responsible accountable.”
Gerhart returns to court Aug. 26 for a status hearing on a doctor’s report ordered by the judge in the case.
