SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. — A 36-year-old South Lake Tahoe resident was arrested Sunday morning after police say he attempted to set fire to a U.S. flag outside the South Lake Tahoe Police Department, marking another arrest involving the same individual in recent months.
According to the South Lake Tahoe Police Department, officers responded after learning the man had lowered the American flag in front of the police station and was in the process of trying to ignite it. Officers quickly intervened and stopped the attempt before the flag caught fire. The suspect was taken into custody without the fire spreading or causing additional damage.
Police booked the man into the El Dorado County Jail on suspicion of attempted arson in connection with the incident. Formal charges will ultimately be determined by the El Dorado County District Attorney’s Office.
The arrest occurred only hours after the suspect had reportedly been released from jail following a separate Saturday arrest. In that earlier incident, authorities said the man was arrested on suspicion of public intoxication and possession of drug paraphernalia after officers responded to reports that he had allegedly been shooting arrows at a local YMCA.
South Lake Tahoe police said the latest arrest represents the sixth time the same individual has been taken into custody since April, with many of the previous cases involving suspected drug-related offenses.
“Officers responded promptly after learning the man had lowered the flag and was trying to light it on fire,” the South Lake Tahoe Police Department said in a public statement announcing the arrest.
The incident occurred at a time when wildfire danger remains a significant public safety concern throughout the Sierra Nevada. Even small ignition sources can pose elevated risks during Northern California’s dry summer months, making rapid intervention by law enforcement particularly important.
The City of South Lake Tahoe maintains policies governing the display and care of the American flag at city facilities, including procedures for lowering flags and the proper retirement of worn flags. Those policies emphasize that damaged flags should be disposed of in a respectful manner rather than being mishandled.
Mckenna, Christopher James
Booking Number: 137501
Booking Date: 7/25/2026 12:00 AM
Status: In Custody
Original Arresting Agency: SLTPD
Original Arrest Date: 7/25/2026 8:34 AM
Original Arrest Location: 900 Ski Run Blvd.
Total Bail: $43000.00
Charge(s):
1 647(F) PC Disorderly conduct:intox drug with alcohol – Drug/narcotics violations (M) Misdemeanor SLTPD 7/25/2026 8:34 AM 900 Ski Run Blvd. $0.00
1 452(C) PC Causing fire of structure/forest land (F) Felony SLTPD 7/25/2026 8:34 AM 900 Ski Run Blvd. $40000.00
1 148(A)(1) PC Obstruct/resist/etc public/peace officer/emergency med tech – Simple (M) Misdemeanor SLTPD 7/25/2026 8:34 AM 900 Ski Run Blvd. $3000.00
1 602(O)(1) PC Trespas:refuse leave prop (M) Misdemeanor SLTPD 7/25/2026 8:34 AM 900 Ski Run Blvd. $0.00
The investigation remains ongoing.
Sources: South Lake Tahoe Police Department; El Dorado County Jail booking records; City of South Lake Tahoe Flag Policy.
