A man with a history of mental illness is in custody after setting his mother’s home on fire, and admitting to it while speaking to the local news station.
While on scene to a house fire in Rockville, Maryland, a man walked up to the local ABC affiliate WJLA and admitted to the arson. Carlos Peralta admitted to setting his mother’s house on fire due to a disagreement between the two. He also stated conditions inside the home were deplorable.
Speaking to the news crew, Carlos said, “Me. Me. I set it on fire.”
WJLA’s Jeff Rose questioned Carlos,
Question #1: “How did you do it?”
“I just poured gasoline on the floor, set it on fire, went to grab a drink, and came back,” “Carlos” remarked without batting an eye.
Question #2: “How did setting this fire help you?”
“Just so you [the media] could get here … for your attention,” “Carlos” added.
The self-proclaimed arsonist went on to describe, what he considered to be, deplorable living conditions inside the home he says he torched. Police say “Carlos” was one of six people living inside the two-story structure.
Question #3: “Why didn’t you report the alleged deplorable conditions to police first?”
“I did. I did,” “Carlos” replied, adding no one took his complaints seriously.
While the cameras were still rolling, Peralta then walked up to the police and admitted to the arson. The police were visibly shocked by the confession. He was immediately taken into custody.
Carlos, who is schizophrenic and has a history of alcoholism, has been arrested before. Two weeks ago, Peralta was charged with destruction of property.
Once he arrived at the police station, Peralta became silent. Despite smelling like gasoline and having a lighter on him, police are now relying on the confession given to WJLA.
He has been charged, and is currently being held without bond.
Thankfully, no one was injured. The home, however, was a total loss, with damages estimated at more than $400,000. the video below.
Watch the video below
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BE_iuqdy3y8?rel=0]H/T: WJLA
