By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY
Salina Post
A Salina man was arrested on requested charges of arson and obstruction in connection to an incident late Sunday night involving a police patrol vehicle and ornamental grass.
Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester said this morning that an officer was sitting in the parking lot of the Saline County Sheriff's Mounted Patrol and Rescue Squad facility, 1020 W. North Street, near the 400 block of N. Broadway Boulevard, when he heard several loud explosions and something hit the patrol vehicle. The officer determined that the explosions were from mortar-type fireworks.
The incident occurred at approximately 11:30 p.m. Sunday.
After the third explosion, ornamental grass on the property caught on fire, Forrester said.
The officer pulled out of the parking lot and saw a person, identified as Christopher Mostue, 40, of Salina, walking away from the location. A witness also reported seeing Mostue walking away from the location.
When the officer made contact with Mostue, Mostue allegedly attempted to walk away, but was taken into custody, Forrester said.
Mostue was arrested on requested charges of arson and obstruction, Forrester said.
The ornamental grass was valued at $50, he added.