Dumpster fire in Winona leads to charges of arson

(KWNO)-A Winona man is charged with arson after allegedly starting a dumpster fire. Witnesses told police they saw Patrick Matthew Smith dump a liquid into the dumpster near a house in the 800 block of East 10th Street on Tuesday and then light it on fire. According to police Smith had left his cell phone in the area several days before, plugged into an external outlet. Smith was apparently upset a homeowner who found the phone took it to the Verizon store. The fire did not cause any damage and Smith was located in the area by police and arrested. He’s charged with fifth degree arson and a probation violation for being intoxicated.