Reno, NV…Washoe County Sheriff’s Detectives, along with Detectives from the All Threats All Crimes Task Force (ATAC), have arrested Charles Asa Sanford after identifying him as the man who led deputies on a chase that ended after he set fire to his vehicle and the adjacent forest.

On Monday, July 2, 2012, at approximately noon, a Washoe County patrol Deputy observed a brown 1980’s Toyota Land Cruiser in the area of Kietzke Lane and Del Monte Lane.  The Deputy tried to initiate a traffic stop after learning the license plates belonged on a different vehicle.

The vehicle, occupied by one white male, fled from the Deputy and was pursued.  The driver of the Land Cruiser led deputies and officers to the area of Pinehaven Drive and eventually onto a dirt road.  As the Deputy pursued the Land Cruiser the occupant slowed the vehicle and exited, fleeing on foot.  The Deputy observed the vehicle leave the roadway and he could see flames inside the vehicle as it careened down a ravine. When the vehicle came to a stop a brush fire ensued and quickly grew out of control.

The pursuing Deputy was able to positively identify Charles Asa Sanford as the driver and on Tuesday, July 3, 2012, Reno Fire investigators and Sheriff’s Office personnel were able to locate the identification number on the vehicle.  The vehicle identification number also identified Sanford as the owner of the vehicle.  The vehicle is being held at the Sheriff’s Office as evidence (see attached file).

On Friday, July 6, 2012, Sheriff’s Detectives observed Charles Asa Sanford in the 100 block of West Grove Street.  He was arrested a short time later at a nearby restaurant by Detectives.

Charles Asa Sanford was booked into the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office Detention Facility for Felony Eluding a Peace Officer, Felony 3rd Degree Arson, Display of Fictitious License Plates, and two counts of Reckless Driving.  His bail is set at $26,655.

The Special Operations Division encourages anyone with information on this incident to contact their office at (775) 328-3320 or Secret Witness at (775) 322-4900 or www.secretwitness.com, or text the tip to 847411 (TIP 411) keyword-SW