Sonoma County Sheriff's Deputies arrested a Petaluma man for arson after setting his trailer on fire. Deputies responded to assist the Rancho Adobe Fire Department in the 200 block of Cavanaugh Ln in Petaluma at about 4:30 PM on Wednesday, May 10. When the deputies arrived they noticed that a trailer on the rear of the property had suffered extensive fire damage. The Rancho Adobe Fire Department had already extinguished the fire but deputies were advised that the fire started at a couch in the trailer and it appeared to be suspicious, possibly arson.
Deputies contacted witnesses on scene who told them that the person who lived in the trailer, 50-year-old James Hines was present at the time of the fire. Hines had made statement to one witness indicating that he started the fire. Hines had left the scene before deputies arrived.
Deputies were able to track Hines down to another residence in the 2800 block of Western Ave in Petaluma. Once they made contact with Hines they noticed that he had a strong odor of smoke on his clothing. Upon questioning Hines about the fire, deputies were able to determine that he started the fire in his trailer. The motive wasn’t real clear other than he was feeling harassed by unknown people. Hines was arrested for arson and booked into the Sonoma County Jail and is being held on $10,000 bail.
Hines was renting the trailer on the property. The Rancho Adobe Fire District has initially reported estimates of approximately $50,000 in damage to the trailer and contents.
Prepared by: Sgt. Spencer Crum
CR: 170510019
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