Charles Asa SanfordThe Washoe County Sheriff's Office has arrested the man who they say started Monday's Pinehaven Fire in southwest Reno.
Deputies say on Monday around noon, an officer saw a brown 1980's Toyota Land Cruiser in the area of Kietzke and Del Monte lanes. The deputy tried to initiate a traffic stop after learning the license plates belonged on a different vehicle.
Deputies say the driver of the Land Cruiser then sped off, which lead to a chase. They say Sanford led units to the area of Pinehaven Drive and eventually onto a dirt road.
Deputies say Sanford slowed the vehicle down, got out and then ran off on foot. Deputies say they then saw the vehicle rolling by itself with flames inside as it careened down a ravine.
Deputies say that's when the brush fire started and quickly grew out of control. The Pinehaven Fire burned 206-acres. Fortunately, no structures were ever threatened and no one was hurt.
48-year old Charles Asa Sanford was later identified as the suspect. On Friday, detectives found him on the 100 block of West Grove Street and he was soon arrested at a nearby restaurant.
He was taken to the Washoe County Jail and faces numerous charges, including eluding a peace officer, 3rd degree arson, display of fictitious license plates and two counts of reckless driving. His bail is set for $26,655.
If you have any more information on this incident, call Secret Witness at 322-4900 or text your tip to 847411. Your call will remain anonymous.
