By: Sachet A. Carter | The Zion Times
Police say a woman and two children were inside a Cedar City residence Monday night when a man allegedly poured gasoline on the front porch and set it on fire.
Joseph Miguel Torres was arrested Sept. 1 and booked on one count of aggravated arson, a first-degree felony, according to an affidavit of probable cause filed in 5th District Court.
According to the affidavit, Cedar City Police officers responded to the residence at approximately 9:15 p.m. after receiving a report that a man was attempting to set a trailer on fire.
When officers arrived, they reportedly smelled a strong odor of gasoline and observed fresh burn marks on the front porch.
The woman told police Torres had come to the residence earlier that evening and asked her to come outside and talk with him. She reportedly refused because she did not want to leave her children inside the residence alone.
According to the affidavit, after the woman refused to come out, Torres allegedly began pouring gasoline onto the front porch and set it on fire.
The woman reportedly extinguished the fire before going to a neighboring residence for help.
Officers later located a man matching Torres’ description walking nearby and detained him. According to the affidavit, investigators advised Torres of his Miranda rights, and he agreed to speak with officers.
Police allege Torres admitted being at the residence but denied knowing anything about a fire.
Investigators also spoke with neighbors who reportedly witnessed portions of the incident. According to the court records, witnesses told officers they saw a man matching Torres’ description at the residence and saw him ignite the porch.
Police requested Torres be held without bail, citing the seriousness of the charge and what they described as a potential danger to the community.
INDIVIDUALS LISTED ON THIS PAGE HAVE BEEN BOOKED INTO IRON COUNTY JAIL AND ARE ACCUSED OF THE FOLLOWING CRIMES BUT ARE PRESUMED INNOCENT UNTIL AND UNLESS PROVEN GUILTY IN A COURT OF LAW.
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