Man sets mobile home on fire with five people inside.

On 06/25/2021, at approximately 0835 hours, Officers were dispatched to a report of a mobile home on fire at 1599 N. Norma Street, Ridgecrest CA. While on scene, Officers learned that Gilbert Duran had intentionally set the mobile home on fire with five people inside (Two adults and three children).

The victims were able to escape the residence before it became fully engulfed in flames. Unfortunately, several small animals perished in the fire. One cat was able to escape the flames but was severely burnt. Animal Control is attempting to locate the cat's owner (link in the comments) .

Kern County Fire Department arrived on scene and was able to quickly extinguish the flames. (link also in the comments).

Ridgecrest Police Department Detectives and Kern County Fire Arson Investigators also arrived on scene to assist.

After allegedly setting the mobile home on fire, Duran fled the scene. He was located a short time later and taken into custody by RPD Officers and Detectives. Duran was arrested for the listed charges and transported to the Central Receiving Facility (CRF) in Bakersfield, CA. His bail is currently set at $2,641,500.00

Gilbert “Alec” Duran – 25 year old Ridgecrest Resident

TYPE OF EVENT: PC 664/187 – Attempted Murder

PC 273A(a) – Child Endangerment

PC 451(b) – Arson of an Inhabited Structure

PC 597(a) – Cruelty to Animals

PC 594(b) – Vandalism

PC 148.9(a) – False ID to Police Officer

JED MCLAUGHLIN, Chief of Police

PREPARED BY: Sgt. N. Lloyd