A Butler man is accused of igniting a lighter beside the gas tank of a police cruiser on South Main Street in Butler.

Shane Albert Everetts, 32, was charged Monday, Sept. 22, with felony aggravated arson and one misdemeanor count each of reckless endangerment, evading arrest, resisting arrest, obstructing highways and disorderly conduct following the Sept. 15 incident.

Police said Everetts was spotted walking on South Main Street when he stopped in front of a police cruiser that was sitting at a red light at West Cunningham Street.

Police said when the light turned green, Everetts refused to move after being told to by the officer in the cruiser. Police said Everetts said he needed a ride to the hospital.

When the officer agreed to give Everetts a ride, he allegedly ran around the vehicle, opened the gas tank door, pulled out a lighter and ignited the lighter in proximity to the gas tank, police said.

The officer then tried to grab the lighter, but Everetts ran away down West Cunningham Street. Police said the officer caught up to Everetts, and he continued to resist until more officers arrived to take him into custody.

Police spoke with two witnesses on scene. Both said they observed Everetts before the incident walking around South Main Street in traffic and acting strangely. One witness told police she heard Everetts say “hit me” when he walked in front of the police vehicle.

Everetts’ preliminary hearing is scheduled for 11:15 a.m. Sept. 29 before District Judge William Fullerton. He’s being held in Butler County Prison on $50,000 bail.