Man accused of lighting fires near Kernville found not competent
Oct 31, 2024
BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) -- A Hawaiian man accused of igniting fires near Kernville has been found not competent to stand trial, a judge said Thursday.
Jamal Iokepa Buyuan will return to court Nov. 13, when he's expected to be ordered sent to a state hospital for treatment.
Buyuan, 25, was arrested Aug. 29 after two Good Samaritans reported seeing him light fires along a roadway, according to California Highway Patrol. Firefighters contained the blaze at 88 acres.
In addition to five counts of arson, Buyuan is charged with recklessly evading a peace officer, driving in the opposite direction of traffic and resisting a peace officer.