Knicks Fan Arrested in Connection with California’s Devastating Line Fire
A man with ties to the New York Knicks has been arrested in connection with the catastrophic Line Fire, which has ravaged over 34,000 acres in Southern California. The San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department announced the arrest of Justin Wayne Halstenberg, 34, of Norco, CA, on Tuesday, September 10. Halstenberg, a long-time Knicks fan and known supporter of the team, was apprehended on charges of arson. He is being held on $80,000 bail.
Halstenberg is accused of starting the wildfire in Highland, CA, on September 5, which has spread rapidly across the San Bernardino National Forest. The fire has prompted evacuations from nearby communities, including the popular outdoor recreation area of Big Bear Lake. As of publication, the fire is only 14 percent contained, with the situation expected to worsen due to elevated winds and dry conditions.
According to authorities, Halstenberg faces multiple serious charges, including arson of an inhabited structure, arson of forest land, and possession of flammable material. His arrest has stunned the community, as well as the Knicks fanbase, given his close association with the franchise. Halstenberg was a frequent attendee of Knicks games on the West Coast and had previously contributed to several Knicks-related fan events.
The Line Fire, one of the worst in the area in recent memory, has scorched large sections of the San Bernardino–Riverside metro area. The blaze has been complicated by the proximity of the Bridge Fire in nearby Los Angeles County, which made headlines when it consumed parts of the Mountain High Ski Resort, a popular destination in the region.
Evacuation orders remain in effect for many areas as firefighters battle to contain both blazes. Authorities are continuing to investigate the cause of the fires and whether Halstenberg had any accomplices.
