RENO, Nev. (KRNV & MyNews4.com)—Deputies say the man who started the Pinehaven fire has been arrested.
Washoe County Sheriff’s say they arrested Charles Asa Sanford after identifying him as the man who led deputies on a chase that ended after he set fire to his car and the adjacent forest.
On Monday, July 2, 2012 Deputies tried to initiate a traffic stop after learning the license plates to a Toyota Land Cruiser actually belonged on a different vehicle. Sanford fled from the Deputies and led them to the Pinehaven Drive area and eventually onto a dirt road.
Sanford eventually slowed down his vehicle and exited, fleeing on foot. The Deputy saw the car leave the roadway and he could see flames inside the car as it careened down a ravine. When the car came to a stop a brush fire started and quickly grew out of control. The vehicle is being held at the Sheriff’s Office as evidence.
On Friday, July 6, 2012, Sheriff’s Detectives found Charles Asa Sanford in the 100 block of West Grove Street. He was arrested a later at a nearby restaurant by Detectives.
Charles Asa Sanford was booked into the Washoe County Sheriff's Office Detention Facility for Felony Eluding a Peace Officer, Felony 3rd Degree Arson, Display of Fictitious License Plates, and two counts of Reckless Driving. His bail is set at $26,655.
