AZUSA — An Azusa woman is suspected of arson after she set her neighbors American flag ablaze following an argument late Wednesday, police said.
Nicole Mascarenas, 26, was booked on suspicion of arson following her arrest about 11:20 p.m. in the 700 block of East Hanks Street, Azusa police Sgt. Xavier Torres said in a written statement.
Mascarenas was involved in an argument with a resident, the sergeant said.
As she walked away from the residence, the resident saw that his American flag, which he has posted near his front fence, was on fire,” Torres said.
Police said the man then spotted Mascarenas trying to light a neighbor’s bush on fire with a cigarette lighter. The bush did not catch fire.
“She yelled to the resident that she had burned his flag and she fled the scene,” Torres said.
Officers, with the help of an El Monte Police Department helicopter, found Mascarenas hiding in the area, he added. She had a lighter with her.
According to county booking records, Mascarenas was being held in lieu of $50,000 bail pending a scheduled arraignment Monday in West Covina Superior Court.