The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department has announced charges against a suspect who set a camper on fire when the victims wouldn’t leave. Around 8:19 a.m. on January 26, 2024, deputies from the Victorville station responded to the 16200 block of Teton Street in reference to a camper fire. According to a media release from SBSD, deputies learned that the male suspect had contacted the victims on January 25 demanding they leave the trailer immediately.

The suspect allegedly told the victims he’d be back the following day with friends. On the morning of January 26, 2024, the suspect, Nicholas Benjamin Ray, allegedly reported demanding the victims leave the trailer. The victim did not answer the door fearing they would be confronted by the suspect and his friends.

The victims smelled gas and saw flames and smoke coming in the front door a short time later. The victims eventually escaped by kicking the door open. Authorities say the suspect fled the scene before deputies arrived. Ray was arrested and booked for Attempted Murder, Possession of a Controlled Substance, and Probation Violation.