Christopher Fernandez booking photo
ELK GROVE—Police arrested a man in Elk Grove on Sunday, May 10, on a variety of charges, including an illegal pot-growing operation and for illegally diverting electricity from the grid, following a house fire.
Police were alerted to the fire at the house on the 6700 block of Vilamoura Way, which led them to Christopher Fernandez‘s illegal pot-growing operation. They found 140 marijuana plants, approximately 10 pounds of processed weed, two loaded handguns, a loaded assault rifle and more than $4,000 inside the home after securing a warrant.
Firefighters with the Cosumnes Community Services District Fire Department were called to the fire just before noon, and were able to keep the flames from doing any more than minor damage, with the blaze contained to the garage area. Investigators believe the fire was sparked after an overloaded connection supplying the pot-growing operation inside became overheated. Neighbors reported hearing an explosion as the fire started.
The fire started at the electrical utility box on the side of the garage seen here.
Fernandez, 26, is facing charges such as the cultivation of marijuana, possession of marijuana for sales, being armed with a gun in committing a felony, and possession of an assault weapon, in addition to allegations of stealing utility services.
He is reportedly a renter in the Quail Ridge Development home. The neighborhood includes the Toby Johnson Middle School and Franklin High School in walking distance, and Carroll Elementary School nearby.
The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to call Elk Grove Police at (916) 478-8114.
