By LESLIE EIKLEBERRY
Salina Post
SALINE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a Kansa felon on new charges after a Sunday incident in 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.
Just after 11:30p.m. Sunday, a police 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 in Salina, according to Salina Police Captain Paul Forrester .
The officer heard several loud explosions and something hit the patrol vehicle. The officer determined that the explosions were from mortar-type fireworks. 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 the suspect, Mostue allegedly attempted to walk away, but was taken into custody and later arrested him on requested charges of arson and obstruction, according to Forrester. The ornamental grass was valued at $50.
Mosture was on community corrections and has previous convictions for criminal trespass, aggravated battery, giving a worthless check, no proof of vehicle insurance, and three for drugs, according to the Kansas Dept. of Corrections.