People v. Hughes CA3

BACKGROUND

An amended felony complaint deemed an information charged defendant with arson (Pen. Code,1 § 451, subd. (c); count one) and possession of drug paraphernalia (Health & Saf. Code, § 11364; count two). The information further alleged defendant had a prior strike conviction, rendering him subject to the sentencing provisions of sections 667, subdivisions (b)-(i), and 1170.12. Trial—The Prosecution Case On October 5, 2023, at approximately 7:18 p.m., Sacramento Police Officer Riley Start was dispatched to an area of Alhambra Boulevard near California State Route 99 based on a call reporting an arson. To Officer Start, arson meant “someone intentionally starting a fire.” A witness had reported seeing an adult white male wearing a white t-shirt and carrying something like a trash bag leaving the area. Less than half a mile from the location of the fire, Officer Start located defendant, an adult white male wearing a white shirt and towing a white laundry hamper. Defendant was the only person in the area who matched the description of the person seen leaving the area of the fire. Officer Start searched defendant and found a glass methamphetamine pipe in his pocket. Defendant…