This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2014, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
Cedar City police say a tense weekend standoff finally ended when the suspect set his house aflame, broke out windows and then confronted SWAT officers outside with a spear and knives.
A 911 call brought police to the man's home in the 500 West block of 1950 North about 8 p.m. Saturday. He reportedly had attacked a family member and then threatened to kill himself.
The 36-year-old man also threatened to kill arriving police, who found that his family had fled the house, leaving him alone inside.
The Iron County Metro SWAT team was unsuccessful in several attempts to communicate with the man. The suspect began breaking out his home's windows, from which smoke began to billow. He then crawled out a bedroom window, taking an aggressive stance and taunting SWAT officers with his spear; he also had knives taped to his hands.
Officers eventually talked him into surrendering. No one was injured.
Cedar City firefighters quickly doused the fire inside, where they reported finding accelerants and other evidence indicating the blaze had been intentionally set.
The man remained in the Iron County jail Monday on suspicion of aggravated arson, domestic violence in the presence of a child, threat of violence, possession of explosive materials and possession of a dangerous weapon by a restricted person.
Court records show the man has an extensive criminal history involving past cases of assault, domestic violence, weapons possession and drug possession and distribution.
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