CEDAR CITY, Utah – A man was taken into police custody after he allegedly barricaded himself inside a home, lit the home on fire and then exited while brandishing multiple edged weapons and taunting officers.
The incident occurred Saturday night around 8 p.m. at 500 W. 1950 North in Cedar City when police responded to a report of a suicidal suspect who had allegedly assaulted a family member earlier that evening.
According to a press release from Cedar City police officials, the suspect made threats to kill family members and any officers who came to the home. The suspect was identified by officials as 36-year-old Michael Candelaria.
A SWAT team responded to the man barricaded in the home and attempted to negotiate for a peaceful surrender. Police said as this was going on, the suspect broke some windows in the home and smoke began to come out. The suspect then allegedly exited the bedroom carrying a “’spear’ type weapon and he had knives tied to his hands.”
Police officials stated the man took an aggressive stance and taunted officers before eventually cooperating. He was taken safely into custody and booked into the Iron County Correctional Facility on charges of aggravated arson, domestic violence in the presence of a child, threat of violence, possession of explosive materials and possession of a dangerous weapon by a restricted person, according to the press release.
Police stated investigators found accelerants and other evidence in the home suggesting the suspect had set the residence on fire.
