Vacaville Arson Suspect Flees, Gets Tased & Arrested in Placer County

A man suspected of setting a fire near American River Canyon this morning was arrested after trying to run from a Sheriff's Department helicopter, according to the Placer County Sheriff's department. 

Luke Carter, 24, of Vacaville, was apprehended by a helicopter crew member after trying to flee. Here are details from the Placer County Sheriff's Department: 

At 11:04 a.m., a resident on Shirland Tract Road called 911 to report a brush fire in a neighbor’s field. She also reported seeing a man jumping fences in the neighborhood. A sheriff’s lieutenant was the first to arrive in the area and he yelled at the man to stop. 

The sheriff office’s helicopter crew was training in the immediate area and landed in front of the suspect’s path of travel. A sergeant from the helicopter confronted the suspect, and a fight ensued. The lieutenant caught up to the pair and was able to deploy his Taser. The suspect was then taken into custody.

Carter was taken to a local hospital for medical clearance, and then transported to the Placer County Jail where he was booked on felony charges of battery on a peace officer and arson.

Arson investigators from the sheriff’s office and Cal Fire located evidence in the field to confirm the arson. The fire was contained to about one half-acre and no structures were damaged.