Arcadia Police Nab Suspected Arsonist As He Was Allegedly Set To Start Tree Fire

ARCADIA (CBSLA.com)   — Police in Arcadia nabbed a suspected arsonist just before he was allegedly going to set a large tree on fire.

Authorities said around 7:30 Saturday, police responded to a suspicious person call on the property of the US Forestry Headquarters.

Officers contacted a subject who had matches in his pocket and had gathered kindling, twigs, and sticks and stacked them underneath a tree to set  a fire.

Officers arrested the man for attempted arson and identified the suspect as 59-year old Ronald Watson of Sierra Madre.

Authorities said Watson is on parole for another arson.

Watson was booked at the Arcadia Police Department jail and is currently being held in custody at L.A. County jail without bail.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Arcadia Police Department at (626) 574-5151. If you prefer to remain anonymous, you're asked to call "Crime Stoppers" at (800) 222-TIPS (8477).