Parking lot arsonist receives maximum prison sentence

A man prosecutors said was on probation for setting a previous fire was sentenced to the maximum 19-48 months in prison on Tuesday.

Lee Alan Knapp, 40, set at least two fires on Oct. 22, 2021, and was engaged in starting another when he was arrested in the parking lot of Bodine’s.

Knapp was videoed pouring lighter fluid on a bush in the parking lot of the Chili’s in Clear Creek Plaza that afternoon.

As firefighters and law enforcement responded to that fire, he walked behind the Topsy Walmart and set a small fire on Washoe Tribe land west of Vista Grande before walking down to Bodine’s.

Attorney Maria Pence said Knapp hears voices and has had mental health problems.

“He was not under the influence,” she said. “He was having a bad day and struggling with the voices. He needs some mental health intervention that we’re not in a position to offer him.”

Prosecutor Matthew Johnson said Knapp had a prior conviction in Redding, Calif., where he started a fire in a forested area and was still on probation in that case.

“I don’t have to tell you what this county has gone through in respect to fires,” Johnson said in asking for the maximum sentence. “He’s an extreme danger to the community and has a history of doing the same thing.”

District Judge Tod Young made clear he wasn’t sentencing Knapp for what he might do, but for the crime he actually committed.

“You need some mandatory time in lock-up because you are dangerous,” Young said. “I cannot have you burning a bush or a forest or anything, and that’s what you did.

Knapp previously admitted to a count of misdemeanor obstruction in Carson City Justice Court.

He received credit for his time in custody since he was arrested on Oct. 22, 2021.