SISTERS, Ore. (AP) -- Deschutes County sheriff's deputies arrested a Bend man early Wednesday in connection with an arson fire that heavily damaged an under-construction McDonald's restaurant.
Nicholas Patterson, 23, was arrested in Sisters by detectives from the Deschutes County Sheriff's office and an officer from the Black Butte Police Department.
Patterson is being held at the Deschutes County Jail on $221,000 jail charged with arson, criminal mischief, burglary and trespassing.
Many residents of Sisters opposed the restaurant, saying it would clash with the Western character of their town.
The fire broke out last weekend hours after workers had installed kitchen equipment. It was to open next month.
Plans to build the McDonald's led to a showdown over the future of fast-food chains in the city. The City Council voted 3-2 last month against an ordinance that would have limited the number of franchise restaurants in Sisters to four.
Because three other franchises are already operating in Sisters, the ordinance would have barred construction of any more after McDonald's.
