COS’ redwood set on fire, three arrested

Three people were arrested Monday for setting the “COS Giant,” a large redwood statue which has been a landmark for the campus since the 1950’s, on fire back on May 25.

The fire was quickly extinguished, but unfortunately the statue was damaged, reported COS officials.

The initial investigation, at the scene, by the Visalia Fire Department and the COS District Police Department revealed that a Molotov-style explosive device containing an unknown accelerant was used to set the statue on fire.

A possible suspect in the arson was identified based on suspicious posts found on social media. Investigative and forensic assistance was requested from the Visalia Police Department (VPD).

Subsequent investigation by the assigned VPD investigator led to the identification of all suspects involved in the crime and the recovery of key video evidence.

On Monday, officers of the COS District Police Department served felony arrest warrants on the following suspects: Coley Lambert, 20, for possession of explosive device, Robert Mason Flores, 22, for possession of explosive device and Eekanker Stephanie, 22, also for possession of explosive device. The suspects were booked at the Tulare County Adult Pre-trial Facility pending arraignment.

One additional suspect is reportedly transient and is still outstanding.