Florida man armed with lit torch and samurai sword arrested for starting fire in preserve: Sheriff
A witness described him as being "dressed as a pirate," the affidavit said.
A Florida man faces multiple charges after allegedly using a lit torch to ignite a fire in a preserve while also armed with a samurai sword, authorities said.
The "disturbing series of events" began Wednesday night in Jensen Beach, according to the Martin County Sheriff's Office.
The suspect -- identified as 22-year-old Morgan Grante Lentz of Melbourne, Florida -- allegedly poured gasoline on a motorcycle outside a bar and then fled when confronted by the owner, according to a probable cause affidavit. A witness described him as being "dressed as a pirate," according to the affidavit.
Lentz had also allegedly attempted to pour gasoline on vehicles in the area, according to the sheriff's office.
Multiple witnesses then reported seeing the suspect carrying a "burning stick" or "tiki torch" and setting grass on fire in the Savannas Preserve State Park, according to the affidavit.
Responding deputies located the suspect within the preserve holding a torch, according to the affidavit. A sword was attached to his waistline, it said.
Lentz was taken into custody in the preserve, authorities said. Once in custody, he allegedly began to resist and was placed on the ground, according to the affidavit.
He has been charged with intentional or reckless burning of lands, criminal mischief over $1,000 and resisting without violence, authorities said. It is unclear if he has an attorney at this time.
The fire, which had spread to approximately 40 yards in the preserve, was extinguished "before significant damage occurred," the Martin County Sheriff's Office said.
No injuries were reported.
Deputies recovered approximately 1.5 gallons of gasoline contained in water jugs outside the bar, as well as the samurai sword, according to the affidavit.
"Based on witness observations, physical evidence recovered, and the totality of the investigation, the fire was intentionally ignited by Morgan Grante Lentz," the affidavit stated.
-ABC News' Benjamin Stein contributed to this report
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