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SPRINGVILLE — Police say a man burned another person's motor home Tuesday and later told investigators he did so because he was worried about being associated with the vehicle, which he believed was stolen.
But police say they found one problem with the man's story: The motor home was never stolen. It had recently broken down in Springville and the owner had left it to drive home to Price, said Springville Police Lt. Dave Caron.
Thomas Baggs, 44, was arrested for investigation of arson after saying he burned the vehicle "in order to eliminate any evidence" that might tie him to stealing it, Caron said.
The motor home was a total loss in the fire, which occurred just before 5 a.m. Tuesday. Baggs claimed he was performing work on the motor home on behalf of the owner "when for some reason he became worried that he might somehow be tied to stealing the vehicle," according to Caron.
The lieutenant said he has his doubts about Baggs' explanation.
"It wouldn’t surprise me if it’s not the truth," he said.
Surveillance video from nearby businesses show Baggs was in the area at the time of the fire, Caron added.
Police believe Baggs, originally from New York City, has been living in a trailer in Utah County for several months.
