Sonora, CA…On Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at about 6:09 in the evening, TCSO dispatch began receiving calls reporting a fire in the area of Mono Way and Sanguinetti Loop Road near the Highway 108 on-ramp.

Deputies, along with Sonora Police Department and fire personnel, responded to the scene. While en route, responding deputies received an update that a man was seen walking away from the area of the fire, along with a description of the individual. A few minutes later, responding Sonora PD Officers detained a man near the scene who matched the description. The man was later identified as 31-year-old Lyndon Sohappy. SPD officers relayed that a witness had informed them she saw Sohappy ignite the fire.

Deputies searched Sohappy and found a matchbook and a burnt match in his pocket. Further Investigation indicated that Sohappy had intentionally started the fire and made no effort to extinguish it.

Sohappy was arrested and transported to the Dambacher Detention Center, where he was booked on the charge of felony arson.

We thank the Sonora Police Department and all partner fire agencies including CAL FIRE Tuolumne-Calaveras Unit, for their swift response and assistance in this investigation.