Man arrested on suspicion of arson in Sacramento grass fire along Interstate 80

Authorities have arrested a man in connection with a vegetation fire that was set on Saturday near the Madison Avenue exit along westbound Interstate 80.

The Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District and California Highway Patrol reported the arrest of Russell Gillett.

The fire burned an area 200 feet by 50 feet along the highway, and damaged vegetation and trees in nearby residential areas, according to a press release issued by the fire district. A section of fence was also damaged, the release said.

After officials arrived on scene at the fire shortly after 6 p.m., the CHP received reports that a subject was seen a few feet from the fire and fled the area shortly after. A second witness reportedly provided detailed information to the CHP about the suspect, which led to his detention and arrest.

Gillett was charged with arson of a structure or forest land, and arson of property, and was booked into Sacramento County Main Jail. He was also charged with possession of narcotics and specific non-narcotics, and possession of unlawful paraphernalia.

He is being held on $75,000 bail, the release said.

This story was originally published August 3, 2020 at 3:27 PM.