|
Accused arsonist started fire "to chase away demons"
Posted: 09.17.2012 at 9:16 AM
|
COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- A Colorado Springs man is in jail Monday morning after being accused of starting a fire in his apartment, then leading police officers on a foot chase when he jumped through a bedroom window.
According to Colorado Springs Police officers, 48-year-old Jerad Cronin started a fire in his apartment in the 1000 block of Westmoreland Road around 1:57 p.m. Sunday, then locked himself inside.
When officers arrived, Cronin refused to open the door, saying he had to start cardboard on fire to chase away demons.
Officers got a warrant and forced their way in, and Cronin threatened them with a shovel. He then jumped through a plate glass window in his bedroom and began running before officers caught up with him.
Cronin had a deep cut on his abdomen and was arrested on second degree arson charges.