Joel Humphrey, 47, was handed two years of formal probation on Tuesday in a San Diego courtroom after pleading guilty to a felony charge of unlawfully causing a fire to a structure. The incident, which engulfed the former country bar in flames and sent smoke billowing across Mission Valley, marked at least the third fire at the location since the venue shuttered in early 2019. Prosecutors say Humphrey, who was homeless at the time, entered the building on December 25, 2024, and smoked methamphetamine, which ultimately led to the blaze.
"This was a reckless burning and the defendant admitted going into a business and smoking methamphetamine, which then led to a fire that burnt down the remainder, at least, of the InCahoots," said Deputy District Attorney Spencer Sharpe during the hearing.
Humphrey was arrested about a week after the fire, with surveillance footage and a confession to arson investigators linking him to the scene. Though the damage was extensive, prosecutors stopped short of charging Humphrey with intentionally setting the fire, resulting in a reduced sentence as part of a plea agreement.
During Tuesday’s sentencing, Humphrey’s attorney requested that his client be allowed to possess a lighter during probation due to his cigarette habit, but the judge denied the request. With 99 days already served in custody, Humphrey is expected to be transferred to a residential drug treatment facility.
Once a staple of San Diego's nightlife scene, InCahoots Dance Hall & Saloon at 5373 Mission Center Road was a magnet for country music fans and line-dancing lovers for over 25 years. Originally opened in 1992 by Texas native David Borlick, the venue featured Western décor, themed nights, and live music, attracting generations of loyal patrons.
After its final New Year’s Eve party on January 1, 2019, the property was sold for $3.7 million to Bridge California LLC, a self-identified furniture business. The massive 11,821-square-foot building has since fallen into disrepair, becoming a magnet for vandalism and unauthorized entry.
Since its closure, InCahoots has seen a troubling history of fire-related incidents. In October 2024, a two-alarm fire tore through the structure, requiring more than 60 firefighters and the use of infrared drones to contain the blaze. An earlier fire in 2020 damaged the building’s exterior. Officials do not believe Humphrey was connected to those prior events.
Following the Christmas Day blaze, the charred remnants of InCahoots are little more than a shell of the once-thriving venue. Despite the property's prime Mission Valley location, there are currently no public plans for redevelopment, and the building remains fenced off and abandoned.
The fire reignited long-standing frustrations among locals who have watched the property languish for over six years. With multiple fires, ongoing trespassing, and a growing homeless presence, residents and business owners in the area have urged the city to intervene and repurpose or demolish the site.
Though justice has now been served in one chapter of the property's ongoing saga, the larger question remains: what will become of one of San Diego’s most iconic former nightlife venues?
During Tuesday’s sentencing, Humphrey’s attorney requested that his client be allowed to possess a lighter during probation due to his cigarette habit, but the judge denied the request. With 99 days already served in custody, Humphrey is expected to be transferred to a residential drug treatment facility.
Once a staple of San Diego's nightlife scene, InCahoots Dance Hall & Saloon at 5373 Mission Center Road was a magnet for country music fans and line-dancing lovers for over 25 years. Originally opened in 1992 by Texas native David Borlick, the venue featured Western décor, themed nights, and live music, attracting generations of loyal patrons.
After its final New Year’s Eve party on January 1, 2019, the property was sold for $3.7 million to Bridge California LLC, a self-identified furniture business. The massive 11,821-square-foot building has since fallen into disrepair, becoming a magnet for vandalism and unauthorized entry.
Since its closure, InCahoots has seen a troubling history of fire-related incidents. In October 2024, a two-alarm fire tore through the structure, requiring more than 60 firefighters and the use of infrared drones to contain the blaze. An earlier fire in 2020 damaged the building’s exterior. Officials do not believe Humphrey was connected to those prior events.
Following the Christmas Day blaze, the charred remnants of InCahoots are little more than a shell of the once-thriving venue. Despite the property's prime Mission Valley location, there are currently no public plans for redevelopment, and the building remains fenced off and abandoned.
The fire reignited long-standing frustrations among locals who have watched the property languish for over six years. With multiple fires, ongoing trespassing, and a growing homeless presence, residents and business owners in the area have urged the city to intervene and repurpose or demolish the site.
Though justice has now been served in one chapter of the property's ongoing saga, the larger question remains: what will become of one of San Diego’s most iconic former nightlife venues?
