A man found covered in gas was arrested and charged with arson in connection with a vehicle fire, according to the Collier County Sheriff’s Office.
Deputies say Oscar Tejada, 29, was covered in gasoline when a deputy pulled him over during a traffic stop after seeing him leaving the scene of the fire, according to arrest reports.
Deputies also found a gas can and lighter in Tejada’s vehicle, along with receipts for the items, reports said.
http://liarcatchers.com/arson_investigation.html
Tejada is charged with second-degree arson, a felony.
According to the arrest report, a deputy patrolling Golden Gate came upon a vehicle on fire on Santa Barbara Boulevard at 27th Court Southwest around 1:47 a.m. Wednesday.
The deputy noticed a Ford truck with its lights on leaving the scene and, the report states, he became suspicious.
After checking to make sure that no one was inside the burning vehicle, the deputy went to look for that truck – spotting it near the corner of 55th Terrace Southwest and Coronado Parkway.
The arrest report states that when the deputy pulled up to the intersection, the Tejada sped off. And when the deputy tried to pull him over, Tejada still kept going.
Finally, the report states, he pulled over along Golden Gate Parkway.
When the deputy asked him why he was in the vicinity of the burning car, the report states that Tejada replied, “I wasn’t and I don’t know.”
A search of the truck turned up an empty container for a “diamond” lighter and also an empty package for non-slip gloves.
When the deputy asked him if he smoked, Tejada said no.
Deputies also searched Tejada’s pockets and found receipts for the gas can, lighter and gloves. He also had $4,100 cash in his wallet.
In addition to arson, Tejada was charged with felony driving on a suspended license. He has three prior convictions for driving on a suspended license, reports said.
