Homeless man accused of Fresno vandalism rampage

A homeless man was booked on felony vandalism charges after he damaged vehicles and set a Dumpster on fire early Thursday in northeast Fresno, police reported.

The incident was took place about 7:39 a.m. in a parking lot at Shaw and Blackstone avenues. Lt. Joe Gomez said Russell Edward Hodges, 37, is accused of using a large metal pipe to smash the windows of the vehicles, belonging to Lifestyle Solar, causing an estimated $5,000 in damage. He was also arresting on an outstanding warrant for brandishing a deadly weapon.

Gomez said Hodges described himself as homeless and said that he committed the crimes because he was being extorted. However, he did not say who was extorting him.

This story was originally published February 4, 2016 at 11:58 AM with the headline "Homeless man accused of Fresno vandalism rampage."