A road trip through Southern California ended with allegations of arson and attempted murder after two vehicles were consumed by flames at a truck stop in San Bernardino County. Authorities say a woman from Oregon intentionally set fire to a vehicle while two people slept inside.
The incident unfolded shortly after midnight on Tuesday, June 16, at a Pilot travel center in Hesperia. Deputies responding to reports of a vehicle fire encountered a scene involving multiple burning vehicles and several people who had managed to escape.
Investigators identified the suspect as 30-year-old Nicole Najlis. San Bernardino County inmate records reviewed by Guessing Headlights identify her as Nicole Incero Najlis and show she was arrested at 12:52 a.m. on June 16 at 8701 U.S. 395 Highway in Hesperia.
Najlis now faces attempted murder and arson charges. Current inmate records show she is being held at West Valley Jail and is listed as ineligible for bail.
A Stop Along the Journey Turns Into an Emergency
Vehicle owner James Bahr later told reporters that Najlis had been traveling with him and two friends on a trip back to Las Vegas from the San Diego area. Their journey brought them to the Pilot truck stop in Hesperia during the early hours of June 16.
Bahr said an argument took place between him and Najlis before the fire. Investigators have not disclosed the subject of the dispute, nor have they released details about how long tensions had existed before the incident.
Bahr said the two other passengers were asleep inside the vehicle during much of the incident. Deputies allege that Najlis later obtained fuel from a can and poured it into the trunk area of the vehicle while the occupants remained inside. Investigators have not stated whether any witnesses observed the ignition itself.
Flames Spread Through the Parking Area
Authorities allege that Najlis ignited the fuel by means that have not yet been identified publicly. The fire spread through the vehicle, engulfing it in flames.
The sleeping occupants woke to the presence of the fire and managed to escape. Officials said there were no reports of immediate injuries to either individual.
The blaze did not remain confined to a single vehicle. Investigators said a second vehicle parked nearby was also consumed by the fire.
Emergency personnel responded to contain the flames and secure the area. Images and video from the scene showed the aftermath of the destruction left behind in the parking lot of the travel center.
Deputies Make an Arrest at the Scene
As deputies worked through the scene, bystanders pointed them toward a woman they believed was involved in the incident. Authorities detained Najlis and began interviewing witnesses.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department said Najlis was arrested on suspicion of arson and attempted murder. She was initially booked into custody following the incident, and current inmate records show she is now housed at West Valley Jail in Rancho Cucamonga.
Investigators have not announced whether additional charges could follow as the case progresses. The allegations outlined by authorities have not yet been tested in court, and Najlis is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
Investigation Continues as Questions Remain
As of June 19, public information about the case remains limited to statements released by law enforcement, current inmate records, and reporting by local media outlets including KTLA and Victor Valley News Group. Current inmate records indicate Najlis is being held without bail eligibility.
Authorities have not released a full motive, and Bahr’s account of the events leading up to the fire has not been independently confirmed by investigators. Officials continue to examine the events leading up to the fire and the actions taken during the incident.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department has encouraged anyone with information related to the case to submit anonymous tips through We-Tip as investigators work to determine the full sequence of events from that morning in Hesperia.