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Press Release - Case # 20-1968 - Arson During State of Emergency

DATE: September 9, 2020

TIME OF CALL: 1:35 PM

LOCATION: 248 HOSPITAL DR. UKIAH

CRIME: 451(c) PC-ARSON (felony), 454(a)(2) PC-ARSON DURING A STATE OF EMERGENCEY (felony)

SUSPECT: GRAY, MICHELE LEA (3/20/72) AKA HUEY, MICHELE (W/F LUCERNE, CA.)

VICTIM: UKIAH VALLEY ADVENTIST HEALTH

On 9/9/20 at approx. 1:30 in the afternoon, UPD dispatch received multiple 911 callers reporting a fire in the area of the railroad tracks behind 248 Hospital Dr. UPD dispatch also advised that the possible suspect who had started the fire was still at the location parked in front of 248 Hospital Dr. UPD officers, detectives, along with the Ukiah Valley Fire Authority responded to the scene. Upon our arrival, the fire had already been put out by citizens. The fire had burned vegetation and bark in the area (next to multiple medical buildings). UPD officers contacted Michele Gray in front of 248 Hospital Dr. Through the investigation, it was determined Gray had been in the immediate area of the location of the fire. Gray was also seen discarding a burning piece of paper in the area where the fire started.

UPD officers were advised that Gray had a confirmed felony warrant for her arrest issued on August 17th 2020, for four arson cases in the Willits area on Christmas Eve 2019. Gray was arrested for an open count of arson and arson during a state of emergency (for today’s fire), as well as for her active warrant for arson. Officers contacted a Superior Court Judge and were granted a bail enhancement of $25,000 for today’s arson arrest.

Gray was transported to the Mendocino County jail, where she was lodged. We would like to thank the alert citizens who reported the fire as well as Gray’s actions.

Anyone with additional information regarding this incident is urged to contact UPD at 707-463-6262.

 

Prepared by: Lt. Cedric Crook