On December 28, 2015, just before 12 noon, YCSO deputies and fire personnel from the Chino Valley Fire District (CVFD) were dispatched to a structure fire in the 23300 block of North Highway 89, Paulden. A ‘fifth wheel’ trailer was fully engulfed in flames and fortunately unoccupied. Fire crews arrived within minutes and were able to extinguish the fire before it spread to nearby trailers. Two trailers in close proximity did sustain heat damage from the fire and both were occupied at the time.
During follow-up, deputies learned that fire personnel had been to the same location earlier in the day to extinguish a small fire inside the fifth wheel belonging to Scruggs. It was unoccupied at the time.
YCSO detectives arrived to assist with an investigation to determine the cause. While speaking with Scruggs at the scene, she eventually admitted to starting both fires intentionally. She started the latest fire after lighting some papers in the bedroom of the 5th wheel, then leaving knowing the fire was still burning. Scruggs told deputies she was distraught and frustrated over a variety of family issues she has been going through.
Scruggs was arrested and booked at the Camp Verde Detention Center on charges including Arson, Reckless Burning and 2 counts each of Damaging Property and Endangerment. She remains in-custody. Bond has not been set.
Although the risk of serious injury to others was present due to the actions of Scruggs, the danger was greatly reduced by alert neighbors who called 911 right away and the quick arrival of CVFD personnel to contain and extinguish the fire.