Deputies arrested a Healdsburg man early Monday morning for unlawfully lighting fires while possessing methamphetamine. The incident began at about 5:45 AM on Monday, July 3rd when Sheriff’s Dispatch received a call of a naked man setting fires in the middle of the road near the 4700 block of Mill Creek Rd in Healdsburg.
Deputies responded and located fire activity. A plastic garbage can in the middle of the road in the 4700 block of Mill Creek was located that had been burned. Smoldering in the garbage can were sticks and clothing. Further down the road, deputies found a fire actively burning in the middle of the street. Healdsburg Fire was already on scene putting that fire out. A little further deputies contacted 36-year-old Jesse Wagy, a local resident who was wearing only shorts and sandals despite the 51 degree weather.
Wagy told deputies he and a friend were out practicing using fire extinguishers and that an unknown person told them it was okay. Wagy’s friend wasn’t located nor were any fire extinguishers, or any evidence that an extinguisher had recently been used. Wagy had symptoms of drug influence. It was determined he had recently used methamphetamine and he was found in possession of just under 6 grams of the stimulant drug. He also had a propane torch and a book of matches with him.
Deputies determined that if the fire had spread to the dried brush, leaves and trees on the side of the road, the damage potential could’ve been enormous. Wagy was placed under arrest for causing an illegal fire and possession of methamphetamine. He was booked into the Sonoma County Jail and remains in custody on $10,000 bail.
Prepared by: Sgt. Spencer Crum
CR 170703-004
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