Police have arrested a suspect in connection with the fire that burned down the Bidwell Mansion in Chico. Kevin Alexander Carlson, 30, was taken into custody Thursday.
The Chico Police Department, Chico State’s Police Department and other law enforcement agencies helped in the arrest.
Carlson is currently in custody and booked at the Butte County Jail on felony arson charges, including arson on forest land.
Butte County District Attorney Mike Ramsey said those charges could carry a sentence of up to 11 years.
“What we're looking at is charges of intentional arson with an enhancement of that arson being caused or being used by an accelerant," Ramsey said. "So that carries a base term of up to six years, plus the enhancement is an additional, up to five years.”
Ramsey could not provide additional information on a suspected motive.
The fire broke out Dec. 11 while the historic building was undergoing major renovation and caused irreparable damage to the historic park.
CAL FIRE investigators announced days later the cause was arson.
Bidwell Mansion State Historic Park remains closed to the public at this time.
According to officials, state parks is assessing what was left behind at the mansion and how it fits the California Historical Landmark designation.
The future of the damaged mansion is being discussed with multiple community partners. That includes state parks, the city of Chico, Chico State, the Mechoopda Indian Tribe and the Bidwell Mansion Association.
More details on the suspect and case will be released at a press conference on Monday.
