Police: Washington man taken into custody after walking up I-5, starting brush fires
(Photo: KPTV/Portland)
RIDGEFIELD, Wash. (KPTV) -- A man walking up Interstate 5 in Clark County intentionally started multiple brush fires along the highway Wednesday, the Washington State Patrol said.
KPTV in Portland reported that police were called out to I-5 just south of Ridgefield at 3 p.m. Wednesday.
Troopers said Washington State Department of Transportation workers spotted the man, identified as Samuel Morales, 57, of Woodland, lighting the fires.
Firefighters quickly arrived and knocked down the flames. The fires never threatened any homes, but it did burn shrubbery near the English Garden Nursery.
Morales, who had an outstanding warrant for criminal trespass, was detained at the scene and taken to the hospital for an evaluation.
The Clark County Sheriff's Office said he is being investigated for the charge of second-degree reckless burning.
A possible motive was not released.