Birch Bay man arrested after allegedly lighting trailer on fire

A Birch Bay man with two prior reckless burning convictions was arrested after allegedly setting a family member’s trailer in the Point Whitehorn area on fire. 

Landon Lee Larson, 32, was booked into Whatcom County Jail June 21 on suspicion of first-degree arson, obstructing a law enforcement officer and violation of a no contact order. Larson is being held in lieu of $1 million bail, according to jail records.

Around 9:30 p.m. June 20, Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) deputies responded to a report of arson in the 6900 block of Holeman Avenue where a witness said they saw Larson light a family member’s trailer on fire, WCSO spokesperson told The Northern Light. By the time deputies arrived, the fire had been extinguished, Slater said.

Deputies learned the owner of the trailer saw Larson walking toward his own home and believed he was angry with them. Other witnesses also reported seeing the trailer burning and Larson walking away with a lighter in his hand. Slater said these witnesses attempted to stop Larson, but were unable. During the scuffle, Larson dropped his cell phone, which deputies later confirmed belonged to him.

Deputies attempted to contact Larson at his home a half-mile away, Slater said. After three hours of numerous unsuccessful attempts, deputies obtained a search warrant and Larson exited the home and was arrested without further incident.

Larson pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree reckless burning in January 2020, according to Whatcom County Superior Court records, and was sentenced to 90 days in jail and a year of
probation.

In August 2019, Larson was caught on a security camera throwing ignited Molotov cocktails against a house that was under construction in the Point Whitehorn area and returning three days later to light the porch on fire, according to court records. Larson later admitted to WCSO deputies he was responsible for both events and, when questioned, said he had mental problems and couldn’t control his impulses.

Court records show Larson also is tentatively scheduled to stand trial August 29 on a motor vehicle theft charge from November 2021.