The Butte County District Attorney has announced the arrest of 42-year-old Ronnie Dean Stout II. Authorities say Stout has two previous “strike” felony convictions which will be charged with whatever Arson charge is deemed appropriate.

In 2001, Stout was convicted of Lewd and Lascivious Acts with a Child under 14. In 2002, he was convicted of Robbery with Great Bodily Injury and was sentenced to 20 years. District Attorney Mike Ramsey announced that the man was arrested after a man was seen pushing a car that was on fire into a gully near the Alligator Hole in upper Bidwell Park.

The car traveled down the embankment roughly 60 feet and burned completely. The fire spread and caused the Park Fire. Ramsey said that the man was seen calmly leaving the area and blending in with other citizens.

Stout was identified with the help of the DA’s Office and a warrant was issued. Stout has been booked into the Butte County Jail.