Gardener Arrested for Playing with Explosives and Possession of Illicit Drugs
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NOVATO — A 53-year-old gardener is being held in custody in lieu of $250,000 bond. He was locked up for playing with explosives and possession of illicit drugs. The suspect allegedly caused a small fire that was quickly extinguished. Fortunately, no one was reported injured, and no property was damaged.
Cary J. Newman, a resident of Fairfax, was arrested on October 28 at 1:07 p.m. Newman was booked into Marin County Jail. He faces open charges for –
- Possession of a destructive device
- Making a destructive device without a permit
- Possession of an explosive
- Causing fire of structure/forest
- Possession of a controlled substance for sale
Newman allegedly caused a fire on Redwood Boulevard, near where it intersects with Rowland Boulevard. The fire was reported at 12:34 p.m., and it was extinguished before first responders arrived at the scene.
Patrol officers and a fire mitigation ranger investigated what happened. It was determined that Newman ignited a homemade bottle rock, which caused the fire. Subsequently, Newman was arrested near where the fire had occurred.
In a prepared statement Novato police said. “Through a collaborative partnership with the Novato Fire Protection District, were able to quickly involve our fire mitigation ranger. It helps reduce the risk of wildfire within our community.”
While in the process of being arrested, controlled substances ready for sale were discovered in Newman’s possession. Therefore, he was arrested for that too.
