WELLS — A Wells man faces felony charges after authorities said he set his partner’s vehicle on fire during a domestic dispute Feb. 28.
Ruben Alonso Gomez, 33, has been charged in Faribault County District Court with second-degree arson, first-degree damage to property and misdemeanor domestic assault.
Officers arrived and spoke with the victim, who said Gomez allegedly pushed her, hit her and kicked her. An officer reported observing marks on her body consistent with the alleged assault. The woman told police she attempted to leave the apartment but Gomez removed the battery from her vehicle and flattened the tires to prevent her from leaving.
The complaint states while she was inside the apartment, Gomez left and returned saying he had intentionally set her vehicle on fire so she could not leave. Officers observed the vehicle, which had been set on fire, and the blaze was extinguished by the Wells Fire Department. Police reported seeing two gasoline containers inside the vehicle, including one that was partially melted, the complaint states. An investigator with the State Fire Marshal’s Office responded to the scene and reported signs of accelerant near the containers.
A neighbor told police he saw Gomez approach the vehicle and heard windows breaking. The witness reported the vehicle was on fire about one to two minutes after Gomez returned to the apartment.