Cal U mascot charged with arson
CALIFORNIA – A student who dons the familiar Vulcan visage for California University of Pennsylvania is facing a host of charges after police arrested the university’s mascot Sunday afternoon. California police Officer Richard Encapera said James E. Shaffer, 20, of Johnstown, who currently entertains at campus functions and sporting events as the shaggy-haired, muscle-bound Cal U Vulcan, was charged with arson, risking a catastrophe, criminal mischief and disorderly conduct.
Encapera said the charges were filed against Shaffer after he allegedly set fire to a homecoming float that was parked at the intersection of East and Second streets around 3:50 p.m. Sunday.
Encapera said the float had been parked at the location after dropping out of the university’s homecoming parade Saturday because of mechanical problems.
No one was injured as a result of the blaze.
Christine Kindl, public relations director for the university, said Monday that Shaffer is undergoing “an evaluation at a medical facility.”
Kindl said Shaffer has not been suspended from his duties as mascot until the evaluation is concluded.
She declined further comment on the case.
A preliminary hearing for Shaffer will be held at a later date in Washington County district court.