Ronnie Dean Stout: Suspect in Park Fire to face arson charge [Video]

BUTTE COUNTY, Calif. — The man arrested on suspicion of starting the Park Fire, the largest wildfire in California this year, by pushing a burning car into a gully made his first appearance in court Monday and was charged with willful and malicious arson. 

Ronnie Dean Stout II had a previous criminal record, according to the Butte County District Attorney’s office. 

If convicted, this would be his third felony, and he would be automatically sentenced to 25 years to life in prison as someone with three felonies under California’s “three strikes law.” The Butte County District Attorney’s Office said Stout has two prior strikes for sex crimes and robbery with great bodily injury.

District Attorney Mike Ramsey said the charge also includes the allegation that there have been over 100 …