A probationer suspected of setting fire to a Valle Vista house in a failed attempt to escape sheriff’s deputies, then falling unconscious because of smoke inhalation and requiring rescue, was in stable condition Friday at a regional trauma center.
Alexander Mettey, 31, was hospitalized Thursday after the alleged arson blaze in the 25000 block of Howard Road, near Ballew Way, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.
Sgt. Matt Cramer said patrol deputies spotted Mettey walking in the area and identified him as an alleged probation violator who was likely armed.
Cramer said deputies surrounded the property and ordered the occupants to emerge, several of whom complied, admitting to deputies they knew Mettey and he “was inside the residence.”
“When Mettey failed to respond to several orders to exit, members of the sheriff’s Special Enforcement Bureau responded and attempted to negotiate with him,” the sergeant said. “After hours of negotiation, members of the SEB noted the residence appeared to be on fire somewhere. Very quickly, the residence became engulfed with flames, and Mettey could be seen breaking windows in an apparent attempt to escape.”
Deputies held their positions, waiting to see if he would come out peacefully, but when activity stopped inside the residence, SWAT personnel, “Soboba Fire Department firefighters and Cal Fire firefighters began a rescue attempt that involved breaching windows and walls to enter the residence and retrieve Mattey, who was now unconscious,” according to Cramer.
The probationer was taken to the hospital for treatment of smoke exposure and other unspecified injuries.
He was listed in stable condition Friday.
No deputies were injured during the operation.