Nicole Najlis, a 30-year-old woman who called herself a "fire goddess," has been charged with attempted murder and arson after authorities allege she set her friend's vehicle ablaze while two people slept inside at a Pilot truck stop in Hesperia, California, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department.
Background
The incident unfolded during what was supposed to be a road trip home from San Diego to Las Vegas. James Bahr, the owner of the destroyed Honda Element, told The Post he had invited Najlis to join the group after learning she was homeless and coming out of an abusive relationship. "The trip was supposed to be to go to a music festival up in the hills of San Diego," Bahr said.
During the return journey through California, Bahr said he stopped in Tijuana for lunch while Najlis began drinking at a friend's house in the U.S. The confrontation allegedly began when Najlis demanded his prescription Xanax. "She kept harassing me for my Xanax and I wouldn't give it to her," Bahr told The Post.
The argument escalated into violence, according to Bahr. "She got so upset that she had punched me in the head while I was driving," he said, adding that the powerful blow caused him to lose control of the steering wheel, forcing him to pull into a gas station.
The Charges
Bahr told Najlis to get out of the vehicle, but she refused. As he began removing her belongings from the car, Bahr said he noticed something was wrong. "She started to move around some of my stuff," he said. "Then I smell gas and as soon as I said, 'what is that smell?' she threw a match and lit the car on fire."
At the time, two other friends were asleep inside the vehicle. The commotion woke the sleeping passengers, who were able to escape before the vehicle was destroyed. Bahr said the situation became even more dangerous because he had propane tanks and fire-effects equipment for his job as a professional pyrotechnician inside the vehicle. He holds a flame effect certification with the state of Nevada and an explosives certification with the ATF.
The propane tank exploded approximately 30 seconds after the fire started, according to Bahr. No injuries were reported. Deputies arrived to find two vehicles fully engulfed in flames and arrested Najlis near the area shortly after midnight.
Najlis has been charged with attempted murder and arson. Her bail was set at $1 million. Records show she has had multiple previous encounters with law enforcement involving allegations including assault, disorderly conduct, and traffic-related offenses.
Key Takeaways
- Nicole Najlis, 30, is facing charges of attempted murder and arson in San Bernardino County Superior Court
- Two friends were asleep inside the vehicle when Najlis allegedly ignited it, prosecutors say
- The confrontation began over prescription Xanax, according to James Bahr, owner of the destroyed Honda Element
- A propane tank exploded approximately 30 seconds after the fire started, authorities said
- No injuries were reported; both sleeping passengers escaped before the vehicle was destroyed
- Najlis' bail was set at $1 million; her next court appearance is scheduled for Thursday
What's Next
Najlis is expected to appear in San Bernardino County Superior Court on Thursday for arraignment. The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to gather evidence. Bahr estimated the damage at approximately $12,000 and said he did not have comprehensive insurance coverage to help recover the money.
Prosecutors have alleged that Najlis acted with implied malice, knowing people were inside the vehicle when she allegedly set it on fire. Defense attorneys have not yet publicly responded to the charges.