Man indicted for allegedly setting his home on fire
Bass Jr. was charged with two counts of aggravated arson.
A Springfield man was indicted this week and is accused of trying to burn down his home after a domestic incident.
Mark Allen Bass Jr., 26, was indicted on two counts of aggravated arson and a count of obstructing official business. He pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Springfield police began their investigation when they were called to a home on the 1400 block of Sunset Avenue on Sept. 24, according to a court affidavit.
“While en route to the call, dispatch advised the male had went inside of the residence and had set the house on fire,” the police officer’s affidavit says. “When I arrived on scene, I noticed the front room of the residence was engulfed in flames. Heavy black smoke was rolling from all of the windows and doors.”
Officers said they found Bass outside the home, talking with a man, when he saw the police, swore at them and ran back into the home.
“Mr. Bass came back outside and continued yelling profanities at me,” the affidavit says. “I advised Mr. Bass several times to get away from the fire, however, he continually refused.”
The officers said every time he approached Bass, he would run back into the home. Soon, the affidavit says Bass made his way to the front yard, where firefighters were kneeling with a hose in hand ready to put water on the fire.
“When firefighters began putting water on the house, Mr. Bass ran in front of the stream of water and stuck his hand out attempting to block the stream of water,” the affidavit says. “At that time, after multiple orders were given and disregarded, I deployed my (T)aser.”
The affidavit said the Taser had little effect because one of the prongs didn’t make contact. Bass attempted to return to the home, this time as flames were out of the house, but was hit with a second Taser that was more effective.
“I took Mr. Bass into custody and removed him from the scene,” the affidavit says.
Two dogs were removed from the fire, according to the affidavit. Contact this reporter at 937-3280254 or email Parker.Perry@ coxinc.com.