According to the Harris County Precinct 5 Constable's Office, the man, identified as 26-year-old Nzigo Pierre, was found standing outside his vehicle after crashing it into a pole in the 600 block of West Sam Houston Parkway.
As law enforcement began to leave the scene, Pierre then got back behind the wheel of his vehicle, officials said.
Deputies said they then detained Pierre. They added that they handcuffed him and tied his feet because he was kicking the patrol car and spitting on deputies.
Authorities said that Pct. 5 deputies did not search Pierre while detaining him. While Pierre was in the backseat of the patrol car, he was allegedly able to get a lighter out and set his spit mask on fire. According to officials, Pierre then shouted "fire" while being taken by deputies.
Pct. 5 said authorities were able to put out the fire before putting Pierre in another patrol car to take him in.
Court documents obtained by ABC13 show that Pierre is charged with felony arson.