Skip to content
NOWCAST Action 7 News More in the Morning
Watch on Demand
Advertisement

Los Lunas Police Department arrests suspect in connection to Cotton Fires

Jacob LaHair is being charged with one count of Arson.

Los Lunas Police Department arrests suspect in connection to Cotton Fires

Jacob LaHair is being charged with one count of Arson.

Video Player is loading.
Current Time 0:00
Duration 0:00
Loaded: 0%
Stream Type LIVE
Remaining Time 0:00
 
1x
    • Chapters
    • descriptions off, selected
    • captions off, selected
      NOW. WE BEGIN WITH BREAKING NEWS. THAT BREAKING NEWS. A MAN ARRESTED AND CHARGED IN CONNECTION TO THE DESERT WILLOW COMPLEX FIRE. THE VALENCIA COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE SAYS THE TWO FIRES WERE INTENTIONALLY SET. 11 HOMES WERE DESTROYED. 12 FIREFIGHTERS WERE HURT BATTLING THOSE FLAMES. DEPUTIES SAY JACOB LAHAIR TURNED HIMSELF IN TODAY AFTER A WARRANT WAS ISSUED FOR HIS ARREST. LA OFFICER HARE HAS BEEN CHARGED WITH NEGLIGENT ARSON AND CRIMINAL DAMAGE TO PROPERTY, AND HE
      KOAT logo
      Updated: 4:54 AM MDT Jun 26, 2025
      Editorial Standards
      Advertisement
      Los Lunas Police Department arrests suspect in connection to Cotton Fires

      Jacob LaHair is being charged with one count of Arson.

      KOAT logo
      Updated: 4:54 AM MDT Jun 26, 2025
      Editorial Standards
      On Wednesday, a multi-agency investigation determined that the Cotton 1 and Cotton 2 fires, or Desert Willow Complex Fire, were both intentionally set. The Cotton 1 fire, which began on June 21, 2025, quickly outpaced initial containment efforts and advanced into residential neighborhoods. In total, 11 homes were destroyed, while 12 firefighters were injured while trying to contain the fire. The next day, on Sunday, June 22, the Cotton 2 fire began in the same bosque region in the north. This incident prompted further concern and a separate, but parallel investigation. A thorough investigation was launched immediately to determine the origin and the cause of both the fires and on Tuesday, June 24, the cause of the Cotton 1 fire was classified as incendiary. Follow us on social: Facebook | X/Twitter | Instagram | YouTubeBased on gathered evidence, investigators were able to identify 31-year-old Los Lunas resident Jacob LaHair as the suspect. While trying to bring LaHair into custody, he willingly turned himself in to the Los Lunas Police Department. He was then transferred to the custody of Valencia County Sheriff's Office deputies. LaHair is being charged with one count of arson and one count of Criminal Damage to Property. He was booked into the Valencia County Detention Center, where he is currently being held. Stay updated on the latest news with the KOAT app. You can download it here.

      On Wednesday, a multi-agency investigation determined that the Cotton 1 and Cotton 2 fires, or Desert Willow Complex Fire, were both intentionally set.

      The Cotton 1 fire, which began on June 21, 2025, quickly outpaced initial containment efforts and advanced into residential neighborhoods. In total, 11 homes were destroyed, while 12 firefighters were injured while trying to contain the fire.

      Advertisement

      The next day, on Sunday, June 22, the Cotton 2 fire began in the same bosque region in the north. This incident prompted further concern and a separate, but parallel investigation.

      A thorough investigation was launched immediately to determine the origin and the cause of both the fires and on Tuesday, June 24, the cause of the Cotton 1 fire was classified as incendiary.

      Follow us on social: Facebook | X/Twitter | Instagram | YouTube

      Based on gathered evidence, investigators were able to identify 31-year-old Los Lunas resident Jacob LaHair as the suspect. While trying to bring LaHair into custody, he willingly turned himself in to the Los Lunas Police Department. He was then transferred to the custody of Valencia County Sheriff's Office deputies.

      Desert Willow Complex Fire
      Valencia County Detention Center
      Suspect: Jacob LaHair, 31

      LaHair is being charged with one count of arson and one count of Criminal Damage to Property. He was booked into the Valencia County Detention Center, where he is currently being held.

      Stay updated on the latest news with the KOAT app. You can download it here.