Photo: Stock Image
Written By: Jim Emerson
PLEASANT HILL —Aaron W. Shermer, 36, of Pleasant Hill, is being held in jail in lieu of $50,000 bond on suspicion of arson. Shermer was taken into custody October 7 after the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District (Con Fire) reviewed video camera surveillance evidence.
Shermer allegedly set two dumpster fires on October 3. One fire occurred outside the Floor & Decor store at 200 Golf Club Road. The second fire happened at the 7-Eleven convenience store at 17 Golf Club Road.
A prepared statement from the Pleasant Hill Police Department said. “Video from Floor & Decor caught a clear view of the suspect setting the fire and walking away. The subject is known to Pleasant Hill police because their prior contacts with him.
Shermer was seen four days later a half mile away from where the two fires occurred. He was arrested at 3:39 a.m., outside S&G Carpet at 571 Contra Costa Boulevard. He was booked into the Martinez Detention Facility.
This marks the fourth time that Shermer has been arrested by Pleasant Hill PD this year. His other arrests involved possession of a controlled substance, firearm exhibition, among other offenses. He was also arrested in 2014 on suspicion of arson.
Shermer has a criminal history with convictions for battery, firearm exhibition, and making criminal threats. He also has prior arrests and convictions for possession of controlled substances. He has been on and off probation and in and out of jail multiple times since 2009.
In fact, he was on probation at the time of his most recent arrest on suspicion of arson.
