Phillip Schloredt walked quietly into courtroom one at the King County jail, accused of an arson rampage outside his Magnolia home last night. Nevertheless, his lawyer argued he should be held on a reckless burning charge.
"And why do you feel arson in the second degree wouldn't apply?" asked King County District Court Judge Eileen Akato. "Because it's not in a building," replied Schloredt's attorney. According to Seattle police, Schloredt was in a dispute with his mother.
Officers arrived as he held a large object and poured a flammable liquid onto a truck. He set the truck on fire and continued pouring the liquid until it was ablaze. Then, say police, he threw the object at them.
Eventually the fire ignited two other trucks and a police patrol car.
The-55-year-old man allegedly took off. He was spotted running across the tracks at the Burlington Northern rail yard where he later gave himself up.
The neighbor who owned two of the charred trucks declined to talk on camera.
When Schloredt's mother recognized the television camera, she went back inside the home they share.
"Having heard the argument of both counsel here," said Judge Akato. "The court finds there is probable cause to detain mister schloredt for the investigation for the charges of arson in the first degree and assault in the second degree."
With that, Akato set a high bail, citing the fact that Schloredt has accumulated 69 warrants; been booked into jail 42 times; and convicted on numerous charges, including burglary and forgery.
Phillip Schloredt will be back in the jail courtroom unless the King County prosecutor decides to file charges against him.