A road trip from Southern California to Las Vegas ended in a major criminal case after investigators say a woman set a vehicle on fire during a stop at a truck stop in San Bernardino County. Authorities allege the fire was intentionally set while two people were inside the vehicle, leading to attempted murder and arson charges and bail set at $1 million.
The incident occurred shortly after midnight on June 16 at a Pilot truck stop in Hesperia, California.
Incident
Deputies with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department responded to reports of two vehicles on fire at the truck stop. When they arrived, both vehicles were fully engulfed in flames, according to KTLA.
Investigators said two people had been asleep inside one of the vehicles when the fire began. Both occupants were able to wake up and escape. No injuries were reported.
The destroyed vehicle was identified as a Honda Element owned by James Bahr.
Suspect
Authorities arrested Nicole Incero Najlis, 30, in connection with the fire. Jail records show she was taken into custody at 12:52 a.m. on June 16 near U.S. Highway 395 in Hesperia and is currently being held at West Valley Jail.
Najlis faces charges including attempted murder and arson. Her bail has been set at $1 million, according to inmate records reviewed by Guessing Headlights.
Allegations
Bahr told the New York Post that he, Najlis, and two other friends were returning to Las Vegas from the San Diego area after attending a music festival. He said he knew Najlis through a mutual friend and allowed her to join the trip after learning she had recently become homeless while leaving an abusive relationship.
During the return trip, Bahr said the group stopped in Tijuana for lunch, while Najlis went to a friend’s home to drink alcohol. He alleged that an argument later developed over prescription medication.
Bahr claimed Najlis repeatedly asked him for his prescription Xanax, which he refused to give her.
“She kept harassing me for my Xanax, and I wouldn’t give it to her,” Bahr told the outlet.
Escalation
According to Bahr, the argument became physical while he was driving. He said Najlis struck him in the head, causing him to lose control of the vehicle briefly. He then pulled into a gas station and asked her to leave the vehicle.
When she refused, Bahr said he began removing her belongings from the Honda Element. He then noticed the smell of fuel.
“As soon as I said, ‘what is that smell?’ she threw a match and lit the car on fire,” Bahr told the New York Post.
Investigators told SFGATE they believe fuel was poured into the trunk of the vehicle before it was ignited. The exact ignition method has not been publicly confirmed by authorities.
Losses
Bahr said he had owned the Honda Element for only about two weeks and had recently spent approximately $2,000 transporting it. He also said the vehicle contained personal belongings and work equipment.
Bahr is a professional pyrotechnician with flame-effect certification from the State of Nevada and an explosives certification from the ATF. As a result, propane tanks and fire-effects equipment were reportedly inside the vehicle at the time of the fire.
He estimated his total losses at roughly $12,000.
Aftermath
Following the incident, Bahr launched a fundraiser seeking help to replace his vehicle, equipment, and belongings. In the fundraiser description, he called the event “terrifying and life-changing.”
Authorities have not released an official motive. The claim that the dispute involved Xanax comes from Bahr’s account. Najlis is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
The case remains under investigation.
FAQs
Where did the car fire happen?
At a Pilot truck stop in Hesperia, California.
Who was arrested in the case?
Nicole Incero Najlis, 30.
What charges does she face?
Attempted murder and arson.
Were there injuries reported?
No injuries were reported.
What is the suspect’s bail amount?
Bail was set at $1 million.
