November 17, 2021 4:00 a.m.

A Sutherlin man is in jail after police say he set his home and car on fire, Tuesday morning

Captain Kurt Sorenson of the Sutherlin Police said at about 11:50 a.m. SPD and fire personnel responded to a residence in the 200 block of Eagle Court. Sorenson said a report came in that 71-year old Nephi Wright told people he had started a fire inside his house. Sorenson said SPD has had numerous contacts with Wright regarding his behavior stemming from his mental health condition. Upon arrival, officers found Wright’s car on fire, and a fire inside the residence.

Sutherlin Fire Department quickly extinguished the fires and minimal damage had taken place.

Sorenson said in an attempt to contact Wright at the corner of Eagle Court and Central Avenue, an SPD officer fell on the roadway and struck his head on the pavement. Medical personnel tended to the officer and he was transported to CHI Mercy Medical Center where he was tested, treated and eventually released.

Wright was taken to Mercy on a Peace Officer’s Hold but was not held. Sorenson said the man was then taken to the Douglas County Jail. Wright was initially charged with first-degree arson, reckless burning, second-degree disorderly conduct and for resisting arrest. Bail was set at $58,750.