SPRINGDALE -- A man set the home he lived in on fire around noon Sunday after he professed his love to a woman who didn't reciprocate his feelings, according to a Springdale police preliminary report.
Victorio Valdez-Rodriguez, 36, of 2842 Granny Smith Ave. in Springdale was arrested Sunday in connection with arson and three misdemeanor offenses. He was cited and given a court date because he was taken to the hospital, police spokesman Lt. Derek Wright said in email.
A policeman seeking to question Valdez-Rodriguez about an alleged incident at his home saw black smoke coming from the home's roof Sunday, Wright said. The officer could hear fire alarms, according to the report.
The policeman kicked open the door and found Valdez-Rodriguez lying outside the back door, according to the report. Blood was found on the floor and walls, and the officer saw two open flames, according to the report.
Valdez-Rodriguez was handcuffed and taken to Northwest Medical Center-Springdale, emergency officials said. He was the only person inside the home when the fire started, Wright said.
Wright didn't know the extent of Valdez-Rodriguez's injuries, he said.
Information about whether Valdez-Rodriguez remained at the hospital wasn't available Tuesday. A spokeswoman didn't return two phone messages Tuesday.
A woman told police Valdez-Rodriguez was dating her mother, but came into her room around 11:30 a.m. Sunday and "confessed his love," according to a preliminary police report.
The woman and Valdez-Rodriquez lived at the same home, according to the report.
The woman became upset and demanded he leave, according to the police report. When she then tried to leave, Valdez-Rodriguez grabbed her arms, according to the report. The woman's son came into the room, and the woman escaped, according to the report.
During a search of the home, police found gasoline used as an accelerant around the kitchen and living room, according to the report. Police also found a gas tube had been cut by a sharp object to allow natural gas into the room and keep the fire going, according to the report.
Damages to the home are estimated at more than $25,000, according to the report. Furniture was destroyed, and the home's ceiling had smoke damage, police said.
NW News on 09/02/2015