MOUNT PLEASANT (WITI) -- Mount Pleasant police arrested a 38-year-old man early Sunday morning, May 25th at the Super China Buffet restaurant on Washington Avenue after determining the man had apparently poured oil on and around the rear of the building. Police say the man was found to be in possession of a lighter when he was arrested -- and had apparently threatened to burn the restaurant down.
Police responded to the Super China Buffet restaurant just before 8:00 a.m. -- for a report of a male Hispanic ex-employee causing a disturbance at the restaurant's rear door.
Police say the restaurant's owner advised police he had fired an employee -- and had problems with the employee on Saturday night at the restaurant.
Police say the restaurant's owner told police the fired owner was outside the restaurant's back door -- pouring oil on the building -- and on the rear steps of the restaurant.
The fired employee was apparently on a bicycle -- heading for the front of the restaurant, where police were trying to stop him.
When police investigated the scene, they determined the man had indeed poured oil on the back of the building, the restaurant's rear steps, and back door.
Police say the man also had oil on his clothing, shoes and hands when he was stopped by police.
Police say a verbal altercation had ensued -- and the fired employee had threatened the owners with burning down the restaurant.
Police say the man was found to be in possession of a lighter.
The 38-year-old man was arrested on three charges -- including placing of combustible materials in attempt to arson, disorderly conduct and crimes against certain people/hate crimes enhancer.
The man was booked into the Racine County Jail where he is being held in lieu of cash bond.