A Missouri man facing charges in two Arkansas counties for stealing and burning a single vehicle appeared in Baxter County Circuit Court Monday.
The case of 43-year-old Clarence “Clay” Mason, who lists an address in Bakersfield, was continued until his Public Defender can check on a companion case in Fulton County.
Mason is alleged to have stolen a 2005 Toyota 4 Runner from a Viola residence April 19.
FIRE SET TO DESTROY EVIDENCE
He is reported to have first abandoned the vehicle in Baxter County and then returned to the scene where he is accused of setting the car on fire to destroy any evidence that might tie him to the theft.
One person said Mason had reportedly told people he did “the best he could” to wipe away any fingerprints that might have been left behind.
Mason is alleged to have become increasingly concerned that evidence might have survived his efforts to wipe the vehicle down, so he returned and set it on fire.
He is reported to have thrown the keys off a bridge.
The burned-out SUV was located April 24. It was reported that the fire had not occurred recently because the vehicle was not smoldering and was cold to the touch.
Several people provided information to law enforcement concerning the theft and destruction of the vehicle.
The tips included alleged sightings of Mason walking in the vicinity of the home along Glade Rock Road where the vehicle was taken.
Mason is reported to have told one person he had taken the vehicle because he was on foot and cold.
He said when he came to the residence, he saw that keys had been left in the Toyota 4 Runner, got in and took off.
On May 18, Fulton County Sheriff’s Office investigators notified counterparts in Baxter County that Mason had been formally charged with the theft of the vehicle.
Mason was charged with theft of property in Fulton County and arson and theft by receiving in Baxter County.
He is also being charged as a habitual offender that could result in time being added to whatever sentence he ultimately receives if found guilty.
In Fulton County, Mason is set for a jury trial Jan. 25 of next year. He is free on $20,000 bond.
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