A quiet Dallas neighborhood woke up to sirens yesterday after police say a man admitted he set his own bedroom on fire at a home in the 7200 block of Rosemont Road. Dallas Fire-Rescue units were called shortly before 8 a.m., and crews had the flames under control in about 30 minutes, officials said.
Two residents were treated at the scene for minor injuries. One person was evaluated for burns and smoke exposure but declined a trip to the hospital. The American Red Cross was called in to help the displaced residents figure out their next steps. Police say the suspect was taken to a local hospital for evaluation and will be booked into the Dallas County Jail once he is released.
According to WFAA, Dallas Fire-Rescue reported that crews were dispatched to the structure fire at 7:51 a.m. and declared the blaze out at 8:21 a.m. The home was occupied by three men. One man suffered minor burns while trying to put out the fire himself, and another inhaled smoke but declined hospital transport. The outlet reports the suspect admitted starting the fire in his own bedroom before he was taken for medical evaluation, with police saying formal booking will happen after his discharge.
Charge and penalties
Police have charged the man with arson of an occupied habitation, which is a first-degree felony. Under the Texas Penal Code, arson that targets a habitation can be prosecuted at the highest felony level and carries a possible prison sentence ranging from five to 99 years or life, along with potential fines. In other words, a fire that stays inside the four walls can still lead to a lifetime behind bars…