A man spotted running from a burning vehicle in American Canyon Monday evening has been detained by authorities as a possible person of interest with the Newell Fire.
According to Napa County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Henry Wofford, a call came in around 6:15 p.m. Monday after the fire started. Deputies responded and arrested a 26-year-old man after local residents reported seeing him near a burning 2000 Honda Accord parked off road near the origin of the fire.
The man has suffered burns on his hands and body, said Wofford, and was taken to a hospital to receive medical treatment. None of his injuries were life-threatening.
Officially, he was arrested in connection to the car, which was stolen yesterday from an owner registered in Vallejo. But "he’s also a person of interest regarding the fire," said Wofford.
CAL FIRE has taken over the investigation to determine if it was arson or not. Officials are waiting to interview the man until he has been medically cleared, said Wofford.
This is important when interviewing people with extensive injuries because they tend to be heavily medicated. "They’re not alert and aware of the questions," he said.
No other information has been released about the man yet.
The Newell Fire started Monday evening in Napa County and has grown to 132 acres since then, as recently reported by CAL FIRE. The fire was about 60% contained as of Tuesday morning.
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