A man has been arrested for partially burning an Arizona town’s $40,000 Christmas tree.
Police in the city of Mesa, which is about 37 miles from Phoenix, arrested Samuel Antone Johnson, 34, on Wednesday night.
Johnson was accused of intentionally setting the fire that destroyed the 40-foot-tall tree.
The Mesa Police Department arrested a man partially burning an Arizona town’s $40,000 Christmas tree. Samuel Antone Johnson, 34, has been accused of intentionally setting the fire that destroyed the 40-foot-tall tree (pictured before it was destroyed)
He was found nearby and allegedly admitted to setting the ‘Merry Main Christmas Tree’ on fire with a book of matches.
Messa police said Johnson did not disclose a motive.
The nearly four-story tall tree is the focal point of Mesa’s annual Christmas celebration.
Johnson was booked into jail on two felonies, suspicion of arson and criminal damage for allegedly burning the city’s tree.
It’s unclear if he has a lawyer yet.
City officials said they are now trying to quickly find a replacement tree to erect for the rest of the holiday season.
Samuel Antone Johnson (left) was booked into jail on two felonies, suspicion of arson and criminal damage for allegedly burning the city’s tree
The Merry Main Street Christmas Tree was sponsored by the Mesa Chamber of Commerce and more than a dozen businesses. On Wednesday, the Chamber announced that they would take the lead on a fundraising campaign (pictured) to replace the tree
‘While this news is devastating, it certainly won’t diminish Mesa’s holiday spirit,’ Mayor John Giles said. ‘The City is working on activating the site for this weekend including a live tree that will be transplanted to a City park later this month.’
The Merry Main Street Christmas Tree was sponsored by the Mesa Chamber of Commerce and more than a dozen private businesses when it was purchased.
On Wednesday, the Chamber announced that they would take the lead on a fundraising campaign to replace the tree.
‘We are saddened by this turn of events.’ Chamber President/CEO Sally Harrison said.
‘Our members that stepped up to sponsor the tree are disappointed but we are excited to take on the challenge to reach out to our community and East Valley friends to raise funds to purchase a new tree as soon as possible.’
The Chamber set up a fund for the replacement tree.
‘Help us bring the holiday spirit back to Downtown Mesa by supporting the Merry Main Street Christmas Tree Fund. All donations small or large are appreciated,’ officials wrote on the fund’s site.