Full Notification

Hughson, CA -

Deputies with the Hughson Police Services made an arson arrest Tuesday afternoon in the wake of a series of fires being set to trash cans, dumpsters and oleander vegetation piles.  

On October 25, 2022, at about 4:15 p.m., investigators responded to a residence located near the intersection of Hughson Ave. and 6th Street in Hughson to a serve a search warrant.  

They came into contact with 35-year-old Hughson resident probationer, Kevin Stalnacker, who had become the focus of their ongoing investigation into eight reported and one unreported arson fires beginning on October 15th and concluding on October 24th.  

Stalnacker attempted to flee the immediate area once confronted by law enforcement.  A perimeter had been established ahead of time, and Stalnacker was quickly apprehended by those positioned behind his residence.  Through the course of the further follow-up investigation, which included searching his home, they located several pieces of evidence believed linking him to the patterned arson fires.  

The nine fires, which primarily took place along the thoroughfare of Hughson Ave and Santa Fe Ave, began to escalate from oleander vegetation piles to trash receptacles positioned near businesses and other structures.  One fire risked nearly destroying a structure had it not been for the quick actions of a responding patrol deputy who kicked the engulfed trash can away from the business.  

Stalnacker was captured by video surveillance footage wearing distinct articles of clothing which were later recovered during the search warrant.  He also made incriminating comments to investigators putting him in the immediate area at the time of some of the fires.  

Stalnacker was booked into the Public Safety Center for three counts of arson, one count of misdemeanor delaying, obstructing or resisting a peace officer, and one count of violating the terms and conditions of his felony probation.  

We wish to thank members of our regional law enforcement task force who helped assist with these arson investigations.  They include, but are not limited, to the following agencies: Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office, Hughson Police Services, Special Investigations Unit (SIU), Stanislaus County Probation Department, Stanislaus Regional Fire Investigations Unit (FIU), Hughson Fire Department and the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office who provides two investigators to the FIU unit.  

All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.  This investigation is still active and ongoing.  Members of the community are encouraged to contact the Fire Investigations Unit, or can contact Stanislaus Co. Area Crime Stoppers, should they have information to share related to this case.  Tipsters can choose to remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward.