Accused arsonist to go to trial in May

Nicholas Patterson will face trial on charges that he set a fire that gutted the McDonald’s building that was under construction in Sisters last July.

The McDonald’s and Mainline Station convenience store were rebuilt.

Patterson reportedly requested a speedy trial last week after having been in jail for almost eight months. A trial date has been set for May 2 and the trial is scheduled to last for five days.

Patterson has retained a new attorney, Tom Howes of Bend.

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(d) 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.” Each count of Arson I, a Measure 11 offense, could earn jail for 90 months.