LAKEPORT >> A man accused of starting two wildland fires last month had court proceedings suspended after questions arose regarding his mental competancy to stand trial.
Merrill Craig Brown, 65 of Hercules, entered a plea of not guilt to two counts of arson during a hearing at the Lake County Superior Court. However, his attorney, Thomas Quinn, raised doubt about his client.
Judge Stephen Hedstrom looked at the evidence and found reason to further investigate the matter. He delayed criminal proceedings until a penal code hearing could determine Brown’s competence to continue.
Law enforcement officials suspect Brown in two recent fires, one outside of Lakeport and one near Kelseyville. Both were quickly doused by firefighters before they could spread and cause damage.
He was arrested after firefighters with the Lakeport Fire Protection District noticed him at the scene of the small Lakeport blaze. Brown allegedly told them he had started the fire by accident.
Brown, who was born in Lakeport, is being held on $100,000 bail.
Judge Hedstrom appointed two doctors to examine Brown and prepare their findings for court review. The next hearing is scheduled for July 25 at 8:15 a.m.
Brown is ordered to be present.
