Keanu Rudy Dude, a 25-year-old member of the San Carlos Apache Tribe, has been arrested in connection with the Watch Fire that occurred on the San Carlos Apache Indian Reservation in July 2024. The arrest follows an indictment by a federal grand jury in Phoenix. Dude is charged with arson for his alleged role in starting the fire.
The Watch Fire resulted in over 2,000 acres of tribal land being burned. The indictment states that 21 homes were destroyed and necessitated the evacuation of approximately 400 families from their residences and surrounding areas.
Dude is scheduled to make his initial court appearance on Monday, February 24, 2025. It is important to note that an indictment represents only allegations of criminal conduct and does not constitute evidence. In the United States legal system, individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt by a jury.
The investigation into this case was conducted by several agencies including the FBI’s Phoenix Field Office, Bureau of Indian Affairs, San Carlos Apache Police and Fire Departments, as well as the San Carlos Ranger and Forestry Departments. The prosecution will be managed by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Arizona in Phoenix.