Police: Intoxicated man sets fire in his own home in Salt Lake City

Omar Juarez. Photo Courtesy: Salt Lake County

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, Dec. 18, 2018 (Gephardt Daily) — A Salt Lake City man was arrested after he allegedly started a fire in his own home when he was intoxicated.

A probable cause statement from the 3rd District Court in Salt Lake City said Omar Juarez, 29, is facing charges of second-degree felony aggravated arson, class B misdemeanor criminal mischief, class B misdemeanor interference with an arresting officer and class C misdemeanor intoxication.

The probable cause statement from the arresting officer said: “A/P (accused person) got into verbal argument with the victim. A/P stated to me he was going to burn down his house if the victim did not bring their child back. A/P started something on fire inside the house. Flames could be seen from the exterior through the main picture window in front room and interior fire alarms were going off. Property damaged belonged to both the A/P and the victim.”

The victim was outside speaking with officers as Juarez was starting the fire, the statement said.

“Once entry was made into residence, A/P resisted arrest after being told he was under arrest by refusing to submit and by grabbing my fingers in an effort to stop the arrest,” the statement said.

Juarez admitted to having consumed four or five beers prior to the incident.

“There was a strong odor of alcohol on A/P’s breath and his eyes were bloodshot and glassy,” the statement said. “Due to A/P’s actions and level of intoxication he was clearly a danger to himself and others.”

Juarez was transported to Salt Lake County Jail. His bail has been set at $250,000.

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