Inyo Sheriff officers have arrested a man suspected of arson. Carma Roper with the Sheriffs department reports that Bishop resident James Atwood is being held in the county jail on a probation violation and an arson charge related to a fire that destroyed an outhouse in Redding Canyon, near the Laws/Poleta OHV area.

Two cell phone calls to CHP Dispatch on separate days were made to report a fire near Redding Canyon. The first call was made on Monday, May 4th. No fire was found in the area Monday, but early Wednesday morning fire fighters found a fire burning in an outhouse near Redding Canyon after receiving a call to dispatch. The same cell phone number had been used for the report of the second fire, Roper reports.

As this is an open investigation, we cannot release details regarding evidence discovered at the scene, stated Inyo County Sheriffs investigator Jeff Hollowell.

The Inyo Sheriffs department is asking the public for any information that could help with this arson investigation. Call 878-0383 if you can help.