Bishop man being held in connection with arson at Lee Vining Motel

A Bishop, Calif., man was taken into custody on Thursday for allegedly trying to burn down the Lee Vining Motel.

Hugh J. Sloan III, 58, was found as firefighters were working to extinguish the blaze, according to the Mono County Sheriff’s Office.

Emergency personnel responded to the blaze at 5:14 a.m. after they began receiving reports the motel was on fire.

Lee Vining Fire Department, June Lake Fire Department and Mono City Fire Department were dispatched to the fire. 

Based on information from the 911 callers, as well as information gathered by fire personnel, it was determined the cause of the fire was suspicious in nature. 

Mono Sheriff’s Investigators and deputies, as well as officers from the California Highway Patrol were dispatched to the area. 

They, with help from the public, were able to locate and detain a Sloan.

He was taken into custody on suspicion of aggravated arson, arson of an inhabited building and arson of property. He is in custody at the Mono County Jail in lieu of $1 million bail.

A Cal Fire Arson Investigator was requested to assist in the investigation. 

“Mono County would like to recognize the fire departments for their quick response and excellent job containing and extinguishing the fire,” authorities said.