Who:
Pinellas County Sheriff's Office
Patrol Operations Bureau

St Pete Beach Fire Rescue

Chance Richie (Arrested)
DOB: 6/28/1982
Address: 8630 #10 Blind Pass Road.
Vehicle: 2016 Taizhou Scooter

Charges: Two counts of Arson and one count of violation of probation – possession of cocaine.

What:
Deputies arrest a man for arson after he admits he lit his scooter on fire subsequently causing damage to two vehicles parked near the fire.

When:
Deputies responded to a scooter fire at about 11:40 p.m. on Wednesday August 9, 2017.

Where:
Deputies responded to the fire at 8630 Blind Pass Road.

Why/How:
Deputies arrest a man for arson after he admits he lit his scooter on fire subsequently causing damage to two vehicles parked near the fire.

According to deputies, they responded to 8630 Blind Pass Road due to a vehicle fire to a 2016 Taizhou scooter at the location. Upon arrival, deputies initially conducted traffic control while fire fighters worked to extinguish the fire. Deputies say while on scene they were approached by the owner of the scooter, 35-year-old Chance Richie who appeared intoxicated.

Richie told deputies he had crashed his scooter at an unknown location, got mad at his scooter and lit it on fire.  There was minor damage caused to cars parked on either side of the scooter. 

Contact was made with the owners of those vehicles.

Richie was arrested for two counts of arson, and violation of probation - possession of cocaine.

He was transported to Pinellas County Jail.

The investigation continues.