A New Mexico man is still on the run following an incident in which he accidentally set himself ablaze while attempting to set fire to his former girlfriend’s residence, per Fox News.
The Albuquerque Police Department is actively searching for Artemio Sanchez-Ortega, 46, who was captured on a neighbor’s surveillance video fleeing from the scene after igniting the house. The incident occurred on May 24, while the ex-girlfriend and her children were inside.
Neighbor, Daniel Provine, captured the incident on video.
“Don’t commit arson… but if you’re going to commit arson, maybe figure out how to do it without catching yourself on fire in the process?”
Provine wrote. The video footage shows Sanchez-Ortega strolling down the street in the neighborhood, appearing composed as he carries a red gasoline can.
He then jumps over the front gate of his ex-girlfriend’s house. The yard becomes engulfed in flames, and Sanchez-Ortega emerges from the yard with flames on his body. Miraculously, he manages to escape and reaches his truck before driving away. Provine emphasized that he promptly handed over the video to the authorities and expressed his willingness to assist his neighbors in any way possible.
“The absurdity of seeing someone with such bitterness to light the fire and the ineptitude to get caught in flames in the process — it was absolutely absurd and really unfortunate. I feel terrible for the neighbors and wanted to do whatever I could to help,”
Provine said.
Based on the criminal complaint obtained by KOAT, Sanchez-Ortega’s ex-girlfriend reported to investigators that he had contacted her three times before the incident took place. She further stated that he had called her earlier on Friday evening, and she
“could tell he was drinking.”
Thankfully, according to KOAT, the suspect’s ex-girlfriend and children were unharmed during the incident.
#Clique, what are your thoughts?
🎥: via Storyful
