Crime & Safety
Man Accused of Attempting to Set Boat on Fire
After argument, Novato man is accused of attempting to set his friend's boat on fire in San Rafael, according to authorities.
San Rafael police arrested a Novato man accused of attempting to set his friend’s boat on fire early Friday morning, according to Cpl. Carl Huber.
Christopher Burl Nichols, 31, was booked in on suspicion of attempted arson. His bail was set at $100,000.
At approximately 1:53 a.m., Nichols and his friend got into an argument at the docks on 557 E. Francisco Blvd. Nichols wanted to stay on his friend’s boat, but when his friend refused the argument escalated, Huber said. Nichols allegedly doused the boat with gasoline and threatened to light it on fire.
The friend chased Nichols away before the suspect was able to light a flame, then report the incident to the police, Huber said.
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