Suspect Tries To Light Cars On Fire; Injures Napa Officer: PD

NAPA, CA — A 22-year-old man is suspected of trying to light three cars on fire Monday night in a Napa grocery store parking lot, police said. Officers made contact with Luis Mendoza-Hernandez in the parking lot of Lucky, 1312 Trancas St., after he was identified by witnesses and was found with burn marks on his hands and clothes, officials with the Napa Police Department said.

It is believed Mendoza-Hernandez tried to light the cars on fire through the gas tanks, police said.

Napa Police Department detectives and forensics personnel responded to the scene, and the department is looking into whether there is a connection to a similar incident at Safeway last week.

While being interviewed at the Napa Police Department Monday night, Mendoza-Hernandez is accused of being "uncooperative" and physically resisting officers — causing one officer to suffer a minor injury, police officials said.

Mendoza-Hernandez was eventually booked into the Napa County jail on suspicion of multiple felonies including arson, intention of igniting an explosive/destructive device and resisting arrest with force, according to Napa PD.