A man intentionally set fire to a home where his wife and kids were staying in north Harris County, according to the fire marshal’s office.
The fire started around 3:30 a.m. Tuesday at a home in the 11400 block of Mortimer Drive.
HCFMO Investigators are on scene assisting @NW_VFD with a residential fire is the 11400 block of Mortimer. One injury is reported. Investigators determined that the fire was intentionally set. The incident is still under investigation. pic.twitter.com/HY7MeekSDm
— @hcfmo (@hcfmo) January 3, 2023
Officials said the husband and wife are separated. The woman and their children were reportedly staying with a family member.
The husband, identified as 28-year-old Pablo Patino, is accused of setting six different fires around the house by lighting a flammable liquid.
Patino waited outside in his vehicle for his wife to run out of the house, fire officials said. He then allegedly hit her with his vehicle after she evacuated.
(1/2) At approximately 3:30 this morning, a man intentionally set fire to a family home where his wife(separated) was staying. The suspect waited in his vehicle and proceeded to hit his wife once she evacuated. The suspect fled the scene. The @HCSOTexas is also assisting. https://t.co/yKxfjg7Ceb pic.twitter.com/TnX3H6dvo4
— @hcfmo (@hcfmo) January 3, 2023
Cpt. James Singleton with HCFMO said the woman was injured but refused transportation to the hospital. He described her injuries as minor to moderate.
Firefighters were able to quickly extinguish the flames. The home has moderate damage, Singleton said.
Fire officials said Patino took off after hitting the woman with his vehicle. He’s charged with arson of habitation, violation of a protective order and aggravated assault.
(2/2) The HCDA’s office accepted arson of habitation, violation of protective order, and aggravated assault charges.
— @hcfmo (@hcfmo) January 3, 2023