Arrest Made In Petaluma-Area Trailer Arson Case; Renter Taken Into Custory

SONOMA COUNTY, CA -- Sonoma County sheriff's deputies arrested a Petaluma-area man on suspicion of setting his trailer on fire Wednesday.

Rancho Adobe Fire Protection District crews and sheriff's deputies responded to the fire around 4:30 p.m. May 10 in the 200 block of Cavanaugh Lane in unincorporated Sonoma County outside Petaluma city limits, sheriff's officials said.

Firefighters told the deputies the fire started in a couch and appeared to be suspicious and possibly arson, according to the sheriff's office. A witness said the man who lived in the trailer, James Hines, 50,
admitted starting the fire in the trailer he was renting.

Deputies tracked down Hines to a residence in the 2800 block of Western Avenue in Petaluma, smelled smoke on his clothing and determined he started the fire inside the trailer, sheriff's officials said.

Sheriff's officials said the motive for the arson wasn't clear other than that Hines was "feeling harassed by unknown people."

He was arrested and booked in the Sonoma County Jail on suspicion of arson.

The fire damage initially was estimated at $50,000.

Bay City News contributed to this report/Image via Sonoma County Sheriff's Office