San Francisco, CA – San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins announced today that her office secured a conviction of Viengphet Sasone (48), after a trial by jury following a garbage can fire in the Transbay Terminal. Mr. Sasone was convicted of possession of an incendiary device (PC 453(a)).

“Mr. Sasone’s conduct was incredibly dangerous and but for the swift intervention of Transbay security staff could have resulted in significant damage to the Transbay Terminal and disruption to the passengers who rely on it to get to and from downtown,” said District Attorney Brooke Jenkins. “I would like to thank the Transbay staff for their quick work and partnership with law enforcement that works to keep the public safe.”

According to testimony and evidence presented at trial, on December 13, 2025, at about 4:30 a.m., Mr. Sasone set bedding on fire on top of a garbage can under an escalator in the MUNI plaza of the Transbay Terminal in San Francisco. A security guard for the Transbay Terminal saw Mr. Sasone by the fire and alerted his colleague, who put out the fire with an extinguisher. SFPD Officers arrived on scene and arrested Mr. Sasone who was in possession of an orange lighter.

The case against Mr. Sasone was successfully prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Kirk Earl with assistance from paralegal Raquel Paz Aleman and IT support from Ada Yu and Leland Chan. Prosecutors were able to develop a strong case against Mr. Sasone based upon the San Francisco Police Department’s thorough investigation and assistance.

“I would like to thank the jury for carefully considering the evidence presented in this case,” said Assistant District Attorney Kirk Earl. “While the fire started by this incendiary device was still small when it was put out, any fire in public has the potential to cause serious harm. The verdict shows that dangerous behavior like this will not be tolerated in San Francisco.”

Court Number: 25027264

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