Arson suspect’s hearing set for January 10

Nicholas Patterson remains in jail on charges that he set fire to the unfinished McDonald’s restaurant in Sisters on July 10.

His hearing has been continued to January 10.

“If we have a psychologist’s report by that time we may enter a plea,” his attorney, Jacques DeKalb, told The Nugget. “A psychologist has been hired to gather a history (and do an evaluation).”

It takes time, DeKalb said, to gather a thorough history and to get funding from the state for the services.

Patterson has been charged with six counts of Arson I and two counts of Arson II. He has been lodged in the Deschutes County Jail since his arrest in July.

Damage to the McDonald’s building was estimated to be more than $420,000. The unfinished shell had to be demolished to the foundation and the building was rebuilt over a period of five months. The restaurant, convenience store and gas station at the same location opened for business on December 6.

The District Attorney’s office is alleging that in addition to burning the McDonald’s, Patterson placed neighboring buildings “in danger of damage,” that he “recklessly place(ed) firefighters in danger of physical injury,” and that he placed “another person in danger of physical injury.”

Each of the six counts also alleges that “the threat of actual violence was involved.” According to DeKalb, each count of Arson I, a Measure 11 offense, could earn jail for 90 months.