IN THE

2ND DISTRICT COURT - FARMINGTON

COUNTY OF DAVIS, STATE OF UTAH

State of Utah

vs.
Affidavit of Probable Cause
RONALD WAYNE MAKIN
Date of Birth: 04/05/1968
Arrestee

On 05/20/2018 05:39 the defendant was arrested for the offense(s) of:

Offense Date Offense Description Statute Gov Code Severity DV

1 05/19/2018 AGGRAVATED ARSON 76-6-103 UT F1 No

I believe there is probable cause to charge the defendant with these charges because:
On 05/19/18 I was dispatched to 285 E 1450 N Meadows lane apartments for a Fire assist. These apartments are
a low income residence, apartment complex for people with disabilities or other medical problems. While on
scene there was a man Identified as Ron Makin, who was attempting to be helpful and engage in conversation
with emergency personnel. While on scene I was notified by fire personal this man Ron, possibly had a gas can
in plain view in the bed of his truck. I maintained contact with Ron until Fire investigators, and Detective Oberg
arrived. Upon their arrival they began the investigation into the cause of the fire. Detective Oberg interviewed
Ron in my presence. During Ron's story about how he obtained the gas can and what his actions prior to our
arrival were inconsistent, and didn't make sense. Ron said that he was given a 2 gallon water jug that had a
small amount of gas in it by a friend named Mark Hudson. Ron said that he had met Hudson at a gas station 3
days ago, and that Hudson was pulling a large flat bed landscape trailer. Ron said that he did not know where
Hudson lived exactly and did not know how to get in touch with him, but that he was asked to hang on to this
water jug of gas. The water jug with the gasoline in it was located in the back of the vehicle owned by Ron
Makin. I maintained contact with Ron while Detective Oberg, Cpl. Combs and the fire investigators continued
their investigation. While they were investigating I was told by the arson investigators and Detective Oberg
about damage to the hallway and stairwell where the fire was started. It seemed as though someone used some
sort of flammable liquid to start the fire. The 2nd floor north hallway had a flammable liquid poured on the floor
near the resident doors on the east side of the hallway. The liquid was also poured down a flight of stairs
leading to a fire exit. Corporal Combs saw on video that Ron was seen entering the hallway through the main
door at 2207 hours, but does not exit the same door. Ron is next seen entering the lower common area by
coming in the main level hallway when the fire alarm went off. When questioned about this, Ron said that he
had entered the upper hallway to take a bag of garbage to the dumpster, but no bag of garbage is seen on the
video. Ron also and had a lighter in his pocket. When Detective Oberg asked Ron about the lighter, Ron said
that he did not carry a lighter every day, but had put it in his pocket so that he could have a barbecue at the
Bountiful Pond the next day. Ron's wife said that he does not smoke, has not smoked for years and usually does
not carry a lighter. After the completion of the investigation I arrested Ron for Aggravated Arson. I placed
handcuffs on Ron and double locked them for safety. I transported Ron Davis county Jail and released him to jail
staff for booking.
Officer Name: AUSTIN SHANE FIFE Badge ID: 4231
I am a sworn officer with: UT0060100 - BOUNTIFUL POLICE DEPT
Arresting agency case number: 2018-001634 Associated citation number:

I declare under penalty of perjury and under the laws of the State of Utah that the foregoing is true and correct.
/s/ AUSTIN SHANE FIFE

SUBMISSION IDENTIFICATION INFORMATION

Booking agency: DAVIS COUNTY SO Booking agency ORI: UT0060000
Booking agency case number: 201804148 SID: 372925 OTN: 55388763
Booking UserID: ahutchb Booking date/time: 05/20/2018 07:00 Submission ID: 169531 (Version 1)