Arson - De Luz 

March 1, 2025 – San Diego County Sheriff’s Office officials report that a man has been arrested on suspicion of deliberately starting a small brush fire in the North County. 

On Friday, February 28, just before 11:30 a.m., deputies from the Fallbrook Sheriff's Substation responded to a brush fire in the area of the Santa Margarita River Trail Preserve in De Luz.

When deputies arrived on the scene, a park ranger pointed out a man who reportedly started the fire, as well as threatened the ranger with a knife.

Deputies contacted the man, later identified as Neema Ahmadpour (20). He was uncooperative and became combative with deputies. Force was used to take Ahmadpour into custody.

Deputies tried to put out the fire with several fire extinguishers but were unsuccessful. Firefighters with CAL FIRE/San Diego County Fire and the North County Fire Protection District quickly arrived on the scene to assist. The fire burned about an acre before it was put out. No homes were threatened. 

During a search of Ahmadpour's vehicle, deputies located several Molotov cocktails ready for use. CAL FIRE/San Diego County Fire Arson Investigators arrived on the scene to assist with the investigation.

After collecting several pieces of evidence from the crime scene, CAL Fire Arson Investigators determined Ahmadpour was involved in starting at least two previous brush fires in San Diego County.

CAL Fire Arson Investigators and Sheriff's Deputies arrested Ahmadpour for multiple counts of arson and possessing explosive devices. Deputies also charged Ahmadpour with violently resisting arrest.

Ahmadpour will be booked into the Vista Detention Facility on multiple felony charges with a bail enhancement.

Source: San Diego County Sheriff’s Office