Man Torches Town Christmas Tree In Retaliation For Parking Ticket

[matcom]

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GLENDALE, Calif. --Police arrested a man who allegedly torched the city's 30-foot-tall Christmas tree in retaliation for a parking ticket.

Bruce Morrison, 52, was arrested Wednesday at his Glendale home and was booked for investigation of arson, Sgt. Oscar Rodriguez said. He was released after posting $50,000 bail.

The tree at the Civic Center's Parcher Plaza was reduced to charcoal last Friday night. Witnesses told police that they saw a gray-haired man leaving the scene in a blue pickup truck shortly before the fire started.

Sgt. Ernie Garcia of the department's arson unit said the city will seek restitution of the tree's $2,500 cost and another $5,000 in decorations and fencing that were destroyed in the fire.

http://www.boston.com/news/odd/articles/2006/01/05/man_allegedly_torches_christmas_tree?mode=PF