Sock fire in Modesto ends in arrest

A Modesto man who set a pair of socks on fire to ward off a perceived intruder was arrested Sunday. Police say the man had been smoking methamphetamine earlier in the day.

The incident occurred in the 2800 block of West Rumble Road just after 7 p.m., said Modesto Police Department spokeswoman Heather Graves.

Officers believe the man might have been hallucinating due to drug use when he set the socks on fire. Graves said the suspect believed someone was trying to break into his home and thought the fire would scare him off.

The burning socks subsequently caught the bedroom on fire and the man had to evacuate with his wife and two children.

“These apartments have sprinkler systems,” said Modesto Fire Department Battalion Chief Hugo Patino. “One sprinkler activated and held the fire in check.”

It caused about $5,000 to $10,000 in damage, he said.

Frances Bailey Jr., 39, was arrested on suspicion of arson and child endangerment.

This story was originally published January 12, 2015 at 6:32 PM with the headline "Sock fire in Modesto ends in arrest."