JEROME, Idaho – Two men have been arrested on third-degree arson charges after allegedly setting a vehicle on fire in Jerome early Tuesday morning.
According to court documents, Jerome Police responded to a residence on 6th Avenue East where they found a car fully engulfed in flames. The fire had started at the front passenger-side tire and burned intensely, melting the vehicle’s aluminum parts. Investigators also found spray paint on both the front and rear passenger side doors.
Firefighters confirmed the fire was hot enough to cause significant damage, and the vehicle was later towed to the Jerome County Sheriff’s Office for further inspection. The reporting party stated he had recently had issues with 19-year-old Fernando Nava-Simental and his associates, which led authorities to suspect the two men.
A Jerome County deputy later pulled over Nava-Simental for a traffic violation and found evidence linking him and his passenger, 20-year-old Jaime Carranza-Raygoza, to the fire. Investigators allegedly discovered spray paint in their vehicle and paint on Carranza-Raygoza’s hands, further implicating them in the crime.
Both suspects were arrested and posted $5,000 surety bonds. If convicted, they face a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and/or a $50,000 fine. They are scheduled for a preliminary hearing on February 6 at 9 a.m.
