Barricaded Suspect Sets Apple Valley Home On Fire After Stabbing Victim
APPLE VALLEY, Calif. (VVNG.com) — A stabbing investigation escalated into a barricaded suspect situation and house fire Friday morning in Apple Valley, authorities said.
Deputies with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department responded around 9:25 a.m. on April 24, 2026, to the 15900 block of Washoan Road, near Otoe Road, for what was initially reported as an unknown problem.
According to a written statement from sheriff’s spokeswoman Gloria Orejel, deputies “learned a male adult had been stabbed” upon arrival. The victim was able to exit the home, while the suspect remained inside.
Authorities said the suspect then set the residence on fire, prompting an emergency response from firefighters.
However, due to the active law enforcement situation, fire crews were initially staged away from the scene and unable to immediately engage the flames.
“Immediate residents are being evacuated,” Orejel stated.
SWAT also responded to the scene as gunshots were heard, possibly coming from inside the home, according to Orejel.
Fire personnel later moved in and began efforts to extinguish the blaze as deputies continued to handle the barricaded suspect situation.
Two ambulances responded to the scene. The stabbing victim was transported with a head injury.
Neighbors told VVNG the person barricaded inside the home is believed to be the wife, though that information has not been officially confirmed by authorities.
Nearby Phoenix Academy was placed on lockdown as a precaution, according to authorities.
The incident remains under investigation, and additional details were not immediately available.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information is released.
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