RIVERSIDE (CNS) - An 18-year-old man, who allegedly went on a vandalism rampage at his family's Riverside home, ultimately setting his bedroom aflame before running outside and threatening police officers before being forcibly detained, was jailed today in lieu of $55,000 bail.
Jovany Lopez Corona was arrested about 11:40 p.m. Sunday and treated for minor injuries before being booked at the Robert Presley Jail on suspicion of arson, vandalism and resisting arrest, according to Riverside police Officer Ryan Railsback.
He said officers were called to a single-story home in the 10900 block of Campbell Avenue near Mitchell Avenue, on the west end of the city, to investigate a ``family disturbance'' and encountered Corona in the middle of a ``mental health crisis,'' allegedly destroying property and refusing to listen to his parents and other occupants.
After learning the suspect might be in possession of one or more guns, officers evacuated the property and set up a perimeter, then attempted to convince Corona to surrender, according to Railsback.
``The subject was seen striking himself with a hammer and would not communicate with the officers,'' Railsback said. ``He smashed several windows with the hammer and then lit the house on fire. As the fire started to close in on him, the man came out of the house, yelling at officers and making threatening movements. Officers deployed a Taser, which allowed them to effectively and safely apprehend the distraught man.''
Riverside Fire Department Battalion Chief Jeff DeLaurie said three engine crews, numbering just over a dozen firefighters, were cleared by police to enter the home and knock down the blaze moments after Corona was taken into custody.
The fire was fully contained in 20 minutes and did not spread beyond the bedroom, he said. According to DeLaurie, a total of 14 people -- two families -- reside at the location. No one was injured.
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