Carson sheriff: Transient arrested for starting fires

A 49-year-old transient was arrested Sunday for allegedly starting multiple fires in central Carson City, the Carson City Sheriff’s Office said in a news release.

Aaron Osbun provided no residence and had an active felony no-bail warrant out of El Dorado County, California, when apprehended, the release said.

At 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, sheriff and fire resources were dispatched to a brush fire in an area overlooking the Lone Mountain Cemetery in central Carson City. Four fires were burning along the ridge line of the hill adjacent to a walking trail.

Investigators determined the fires were all human-caused, possibly using an open flame device as the ignition, the release said. One of the fire areas contained food, including hotdogs, along the burned-out area. All of the small fires were immediately extinguished by fire department personnel without injuries, damages, or threat to the adjacent Northridge housing area.

Witnesses reported seeing an adult male fleeing the area. Based on descriptions, deputies located Osbun at a nearby convenience store/gas station.

Osbun was booked into jail on charges of: obstructing a public officer, a misdemeanor; obtaining and use of another identity to avoid prosecution, a felony; outside agency warrant; and third degree arson, a felony. Bail was set at $20,000.

Anyone with information regarding the incident is asked to contact the sheriff’s office at 775-283-7851.