Pennsylvania dad allegedly tried setting house on fire with kids inside
12/29/2021 2:14 pm PST
PENN HILLS, Pa. (TCD) -- A 39-year-old man is accused of trying to light his house on fire while a woman and his kids were inside following an argument regarding his infidelity.
According to Trib Live, on Dec. 26, Penn Hills Police responded to a call at approximately 1 p.m. about a man attempting to set his home ablaze. Police reportedly received news that a man and woman were arguing in the home's basement. When Penn Hills officers showed up, an 11-year-old girl reportedly told them, "He's around back. Go around back."
Officers reportedly located a man, identified as Quenton Hughes, arguing with a woman in the basement. The officers smelled gasoline and something burning, according to Trib Live.
The woman he was arguing with reportedly owns the house and got into a verbal altercation with Hughes because he reportedly admitted to being unfaithful. She then tried kicking him out of the house.
WPXI-TV reports the woman, Jacqueline Smothers, went to the basement with Hughes because she wanted him to get his clothes and leave. Smothers reportedly told police Hughes walked over to a nearby lawn mower, took off the gasoline cap, and poured it on the floor. Smothers reportedly took some clothing out of the bag and tried sopping up the gasoline.
According to WPXI, which cites court documents, Smothers repeated her request for him to leave. Hughes allegedly held up a lighter and said, "I don't give a f--- who's in this house."
He said he would "light this b---- up," and proceeded to light the clothes on fire.
The 11-year-old reportedly got her 2-year-old sister and brought her to safety. They are reportedly Smothers and Hughes' children.
Trib Live reports officers found a Bic lighter in Hughes' pocket when they arrested him.
According to court records, Hughes was arrested on 13 charges, including three counts of aggravated arson, two counts of endangering welfare of children, and harassment. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for Jan. 10.
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