Transient denies setting fire to Orchards-area field

A transient man suspected of setting fire to a field Tuesday denied starting the blaze and said he was only searching for a snake in the grass, according to court documents.

Joshua S. Schrieber, 33, appeared Wednesday in Clark County Superior Court on suspicion of second-degree arson.

A witness said he was driving north in the 10000 block of Covington Road on Tuesday afternoon when he observed a man, later identified as Schrieber, on the west side of the road. He said he saw the man lean down and set a grass field on fire with a lighter, then quickly walk away.

According to a probable cause affidavit filed with the court, the witness called 911 and followed Schrieber until he was detained by police near the 10700 block of Covington Road. Police found a lighter in Schrieber’s possession, according to the affidavit.

The fire burned southwest across a dry storm drainage swale toward three occupied houses. Residents fought to keep the fire from damaging their properties. One resident cut his above-ground swimming pool to try to douse the fire, the affidavit said.

During Schrieber’s hearing, the prosecution voiced concerns about his mental health and requested a competency evaluation be ordered.

Judge Daniel Stahnke agreed to set no bail. Schrieber is scheduled to return to court today.