Man threatens another, sets fire to wheelbarrow

A 59-year-old man was arrested Saturday for threatening to stab another person with a three-inch knife and for setting fire to a wheelbarrow.

Police responded to an incident on Rosario Boulevard, just south of Fort Marcy Complex, Saturday after reports of violence and a fire in the neighborhood, Santa Fe Police Lt. Ben Valdez said.

When police and fire responders arrived, a wheelbarrow was burning and parked cars had been drenched in gasoline, but did not ignite. The suspect, James Perkins, attempted to escape, running behind the house and trying to jump a fence. He also had attempted to remove his shirt in an effort to alter his appearance, Valdez said.

Perkins, however, was arrested at the scene, where he waived his Miranda rights and told police he had become upset with the victim and brandished the medium-sized pocket knife. He then doused the vehicles and a wheelbarrow with gasoline, hoping to set the victim’s house on fire.

Police said he had a pipe that was consistent with methamphetamine use, Valdez said. The victim was not identified. Valdez said no one was injured and none of the vehicles were damaged, except for a moving truck that Perkins is accused of keying.

Perkins is being held at Santa Fe County jail, charged with two counts of aggravated assault, arson and possession of drug paraphernalia.