Joseph Miguel Torres, 27, is being held in the Iron County Jail following allegations that he attempted to burn down a mobile home containing his ex-girlfriend and her two children. According to a report published September 3, the incident took place around 9 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 1, in Cedar City, Utah.
Court documents state that officers responded to a report of a man attempting to set a residence on fire. Upon arrival, agents reported a strong smell of gasoline and observed burn marks on the front porch.
The resident told officials that Torres arrived at the location and asked the occupants to come outside to speak. When she refused, he allegedly threatened to set the house on fire if the three occupants did not exit. The woman reported seeing Torres pouring gasoline on the front porch, which was already on fire. She used a fire extinguisher to put out the flames before exiting the home with her children to seek help from a neighbor.
While Torres admitted to being at the victim's home, he denied attempting to set the structure on fire. However, neighbors reported seeing a man matching the suspect's description causing the fire.
Torres faces a first-degree felony charge for aggravated arson.
The incident occurred near the intersection of 800 West and 1200 North in Cedar City.
