Transient Suspected in Gas Station Fire

A transient was in jail after allegedly falling asleep with a lit cigarette, sparking a fire early Wednesday that destroyed a vacant gas station, authorities said.

Newton Kinder told authorities he fell asleep with the cigarette about 1:30 a.m. after sniffing glue inside the building at 3118 E. Main St., authorities said.

The station was gutted by flames but Kinder was not injured, authorities said. The damage was estimated at $100,000.

Kinder, whose age was unavailable, was being held in lieu of $50,000 bail Wednesday night on suspicion of unlawfully causing a fire, public intoxication and trespassing, authorities said.