Arsonist gets probation in fire equipment theft

A convicted arsonist, who admitted to stealing gear in order to dress up as a firefighter, was ordered Monday to serve 44 days in jail as a condition of probation.

Kevin Matthew Critor, 30, received a suspended 2-5-year prison sentence after District Judge Tom Gregory said he very nearly ordered him to prison. Instead, Gregory fined Critor $5,000.

Douglas was that last stop for Critor, who received probation on the felony arson charge in Lyon County and on another burglary charge in Washoe County.

Critor made regional news after he was caught on camera setting a fire near Dayton a few days after the June 17, 2021, theft.

Attorney Richard Davies said that Critor had started using drugs and cooked up a plan to don turnouts and a helmet.

“The plan was to start fires and put them out,” attorney Richard Davies said. “It was not rational, it was because of some unresolved issues.”

According to information released by Lyon County and the Nevada Fire Marshal’s Office, Critor was arrested a few days after the Douglas theft as he was trying to set a fire near Dayton.

When he was arrested, he was found in possession of a firearm and a firefighter’s badge. Critor had more than $50,000 in firefighter equipment, uniforms, radio scanners and ID cards. He also had a former fire engine with working lights and sirens.

Davies said Critor had been ordered to Western Nevada Regional Drug Court by the Lyon County District Court.