A Polson man is accused of causing a fire that destroyed or damaged multiple vehicles.

Andrew Joseph Bybee, 44, entered a plea of not guilty in Polson District Court July 29 to felony charges of negligent arson, criminal mischief and two counts of criminal possession of dangerous drugs.

According to court records and a statement issued by Polson Police Chief George Simpson, Bybee was allegedly attempting to siphon fuel from vehicles belonging to customers of an automotive repair business. That’s when the fire broke out early the morning of July 5.

Video surveillance of the area showed a distinctive van pulling into the area just before the fire began. The video also showed an individual appear to siphon gas from one of the vehicles when a flash of fire engulfed it.

Investigators were able to connect Bybee to the van. He was on probation and was supposed to check in with adult probation and parole on July 7. A “pick-up and hold” was issued for him when he failed to make the July 7 appointment.

When officers did locate Bybee, he fled on foot but was quickly detained. A search of the shed he lives in turned up a baggie of methamphetamine and a baggie of psilocybin mushrooms.

Judge Molly Owen set the case for trial on Jan. 19, 2027. Bybee remains in the Lake County Jail with bail totaling $125,000.