Trial to begin in arson threat
Jury selection started Tuesday in the trial of the Yuba City man accused of threatening to burn his friend after a fight.
Robert Smyth, 60, appeared in Sutter County Superior Court with his attorney, Michael Sullinger, who entered notguilty pleas on Smyth’s behalf.
Smyth is charged with threatening to commit a crime which would result in death or great bodily injury, assault with a deadly weapon other than a firearm, and attempted arson, according to an amended complaint.
On Dec. 20, 2016, Smyth allegedly had been drinking alcohol with his landlord and became intoxicated, according to the pretrial services report.
The victim told officers that Smyth took out his BB gun to “show off” before the victim took it away so he would not harm himself or others.
Smyth then allegedly grabbed a sword that was also taken away from him. He became upset and left the home on Clark Avenue to walk to a nearby store, according to the report.
Smyth returned with a small plastic bottle and allegedly started throwing gasoline on the front door, in the living room and on the victim.
According to the report, Smyth threatened to burn the victim and the home. Smyth and the victim started to fight, causing a small laceration to the victim’s elbow.
When officers arrived, they could smell a strong odor of gasoline on Smyth, who was holding a lighter and had gasoline on his hands.
Deputy District Attorney Mark Koo said he hopes to have the jury selected by this morning.