Auburn man faces felony charge for Toomer's Corner tree fire

AUBURN, Ala. — A 29-year-old Auburn man charged with desecration of a venerable object in a fire that damaged oak trees at Toomer's Corner as fans celebrated a victory over LSU is now facing a felony charge.

On Monday police said in a news release that damage to the oak tree exceeded $2,500, requiring the 1st degree criminal mischief charge.

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Auburn police said in a news release Sunday that Jochen Wiest was initially arrested on a charge of public intoxication, but that witnesses identified him in connection with the tree's burning. His bond was set at $1,500 for those two charges.

Police executed an arrest warrant for Wiest on Monday while he was in jail. He received an additional $3,000 bond.

It was not immediately clear if Wiest has an attorney.

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