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Student accused of arson awaits hearing

The preliminary hearing for the Palomar student accused of arson on the San Marcos campus was delayed during his readiness conference on April 17.

Judge Michael J. Popkins granted the delay because the psychological evaluation on defendant Connor Ryan Cook has not been completed.

The stay away order imposed on March 18 prohibiting Cook from returning to Palomar campus was also modified; allowing Cook to visit the campus with either his lawyer, Raymond Gomez, or his lawyer’s investigator for purposes of investigating the case only.

Cook, 18, was arrested on March 14 and faces three years in jail after being charged with arson and attempted arson for a fire that took place in the men’s restroom of the P Building earlier that day.

Toilet paper and toilet seat covers were used to start the fire. No injuries or damage to the building was reported from Palomar officials.

Cook is only being charged in connection with the one fire even though the way it was started is similar to the nine other fires on the San Marcos Campus that began in December 2013.

Cook remains out on bail and his next readiness conference is scheduled for May 27.

 

Image Sources

  • Arsonist: Photo courtesy of Connor Cook. | Used With Permission
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