Salem Man Arrested For Threatening to Set Home on Fire

(CAMPBELLSBURG) – A Salem man was arrested Tuesday afternoon after threatening to set his home on fire with his family inside it.

Around 3:50 p.m. the Campbellsburg Fire Department along with Washington County Sheriff’s Department was called to a home on the South Washington School Road after a 911 call reporting a man was pouring gasoline around his residence with people inside.

According to his wife, 52-year-old Alferdo Arana Jr had been off his medication and had been drinking that day.

His wife told police she was worried that Arana was going to set the house on fire after pouring gasoline around the home and on the front porch. Her children and grandchildren were still inside the home.

When officers arrived they saw Arana sitting in a chair on the front porch and could smell gasoline as they approached.

Arana refused to comply with police orders to stand up and put his hands over his head.

He then stood up and shouted at the officer to ‘shoot him’ and ‘get it over with’. Arana then put a hand behind his back and took an aggressive stance.

While attempting to subdue Arana, he punched Washington County Deputy Matt Hein. Officer Kacey Reschar deployed a baton and struck Arana.

Arana continued yelling obscenities at the officers, saying he was depressed and wanted to commit suicide by cop. He told officers he accidentally spilled gasoline on the grass and if he wanted to kill his family, he wouldn’t have done it by fire.

Arana was taken to the Washington County Detention Center and charged with intimidation, battery against a public official and resisting law enforcement.

The Campbellsburg Fire Department was asked to stay in the area until police could secure the scene. Following Arana’s arrest, the fire department proceeded to the scene to make sure the fire hazards were removed.