On Monday, January 10th, 2022, at 2:19 pm, the Turlock Fire Department was dispatched to a miscellaneous fire behind Dubyak Family Chiropractic Center, 3008 Geer Rd, Turlock.
As firefighters were responding to the scene, additional information was received that the fire had spread to a fence and power pole, so the incident was upgraded to a potential structure fire. Information was also received that the fire had been intentionally lit by a subject later identified as Raymond Cornejo, 49, of Turlock, after he had been in an argument was someone, so the Turlock Police Department was dispatched.
When firefighters arrived on scene, they found a tent, a fence, a power pole, and other debris all on fire. Firefighters were able to quickly get the fire knocked down, preventing spread to very nearby businesses and residences.
A witness who had seen Cornejo light the fire followed him to the intersection of Tampa St and Niagra St, reporting his whereabouts to responding officers. Officers were able to detain Cornejo and he was positively identified as the subject who lit the fire by the witness.
Cornejo was arrested and booked into the Stanislaus County Public Safety Center on charges of arson and vandalism over $400.
