Transient accused of lighting brush fire in Pasadena

PASADENA – A transient was arrested Thursday for allegedly starting a brush fire on a hill.
The blaze charred an area measuring about 100 square feet. Pasadena Police Lt. Vasken Gourdikian said no structures were threatened.
Shortly before 10 p.m., he said a passerby saw a man on a hillside at New York Drive and Sierra Madre Villa Avenue setting a fire. The witness called police.
Gourdikian said officers found the man nearby. He had a lighter in his possession and was identified by witnesses, the lieutenant added.
Michael Went, a 51-year-old transients, was arrested on suspicion of arson, Lt. Jason Clawson said. It was not clear if the fire was intentionally set or accidental.
“He’s not saying a whole lot,” Gourdikian said.
Pasadena Fire, Arcadia Fire and Los Angeles County Fire department responded to the brush fire, police said.
According to county booking records, Went was being held in lieu of $22,500 bail pending his initial court appearance.

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