Booking photo for Kip Dee Wilson. (Courtesy: Cache County Jail)

LOGAN — A 41-year-old Lewiston man convicted of trying to start a fire in his family’s home will avoid any further incarceration after a judge commended him for beginning to tackle his addictions. Judge Brian Cannell told Kip D. Wison, he was being given a gift due to his criminal history.

Wilson was sentenced Wednesday morning in 1st District Court. He previously pleaded guilty to attempted aggravated arson and possession or use of a controlled substance, both amended to third-degree felonies; along with possession or use of a weapon by a restricted person, a class A misdemeanor.

On February 20, fire fighters and law enforcement responded to a house fire near 900 N. 800 West in Lewiston. One of the residents had called 911, explaining their son had started a fire in the home’s bathroom. Flames were reported to be coming from underneath the door.

Cache County Sheriff’s deputies found Wilson had locked himself in the bathroom of his parent’s residence and started the blaze. He was later discovered at a neighbor’s home after jumping through a window.

Three other occupants were inside the home at the time the fire was reported. They were all able to evacuate without any injuries.

Wilson told deputies he was trying to see if he could fly. He was determined to be under the influence of drugs and was unable to hold still during questioning.

Fire fighters reported the small fire was contained to the bathroom. When deputies were able to enter, they found a burnt towel and broken window.

During Wednesday’s sentencing, defense attorney Diane Pitcher said Wilson had struggled with mental health issues that were magnified by illegal drug use. She spotlighted how the defendant had started turning his life around since being arrested. He had been accepted into a trade school and was actively participating in substance abuse treatment.

Wilson spoke briefly, telling the court he was trying to take accountability for his actions.

Judge Cannell sentenced Wilson to 67 days in jail, the time he already served after being arrested. He ordered him to continue rehabilitation and mental health treatment.

Earlier, Cache County Deputy Attorney Andrew Crane had explained how Wilson had a lengthy criminal history. He said February’s incident could have been much worse.

Judge Cannell said he was grateful to see the progress that Wilson had made getting help. He warned that if the defendant threw this opportunity away, he would be facing a prison sentence.


will@cvradio.com



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