Yuba City man accused of setting car on fire is acquitted

A Yuba City man accused of lighting a car on fire earlier this year was acquitted of arson Wednesday.

Reymundo Garcia, 53, was accused of setting fire to a vehicle at an automotive lot Jan. 29, with the fire spreading to fencing and other nearby items, according to court documents. While the owner of the lot tried to extinguish the fire, a small explosion caused him to fall and hurt his ankle. The fire caused about $5,000 in damages.

During the two-day trial, the jury heard from witnesses including two Yuba City police officers, the Yuba City fire investigator, and a witness. Garcia was offered a plea deal but declined, according to court documents.

In February, Garcia pleaded not guilty to arson and a sentence enhancement.

Deputy District Attorney Adam Mcbride said it’s not easy for residents to take time out of their lives to sit on a jury.

“However, thirteen members of our community took time out of their lives to sit and listen to the presentation of evidence and make an informed decision,” Mcbride wrote in an email Thursday. “While we hoped for a different verdict I appreciate the time and effort the jury gave in considering all the evidence during their deliberation.”

Smoke from regional wildfires is resulting in poor air quality in Yuba-sutter, with its impact forecast to continue through the weekend.

Wildfires have resulted in moderate to unhealthy levels of ozone and fine particulate matter, according to a Feather River Air Quality Management District press release. Ozone concentrations at higher elevations monitors, like at the Sutter Buttes, are reaching unhealthy levels.

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