(Butte County, CA) – Park Fire arson suspect, 42-year-old Ronnie Dean Stout II of Chico, had his first court appearance yesterday, getting a public defender assigned, but not entering a plea.

The D.A. presented details to the judge including witness reports that stout was “heavily intoxicated” and driving “recklessly” according to the Chico Enterprise Record, on the gravel Upper Park Road in Bidwell Park at speeds up to 50 mph. He reportedly drove onto a berm and the vehicle, his mother’s Yaris, caught fire as he revved the engine to free it. A witness then reportedly saw Stout push the buring car down a 60 foot ravine.

However, Stout denies pushing it, claiming he got scared when it caught fire and simply abandoned it.

The judge granted the D.A.’s request Stout be held without bail. His next court appearance is scheduled for Thursday.