Arson suspect charged after reportedly throwing burning objects inside Fridley nursing home

A man accused of throwing items he set on fire inside a Fridley nursing home, where he lived, is facing multiple felony charges for the incident.

According to court documents, Joel Gualberto Villota-Molina, 27, is facing three felony charges, including first-degree arson, first-degree attempted assault, and 4th degree assault against a peace officer.

As previously reported, police were called to a nursing home at 5700 East River Road Northeast in Fridley on Monday. A resident of the nursing home, later identified as Villota-Molina, was reportedly throwing burning items inside the building.

When police arrived, court documents state Villota-Molina had barricaded himself in his room.

As smoke filled the building, officers began evacuating residents, including an immobile resident who lived in the room next to Villota-Molina.

The nursing home staff reportedly told police Villota-Molina’s behavior had become increasingly erratic over the last few weeks, speculating he had been leaving the nursing home on the weekends to take narcotics.

The nursing staff said the incident began when a fire alarm went off in Villota-Molina’s room, and upon investigating, a staff member reported Villota-Molina had thrown a smoking bottle of liquid at them before closing the door.

Villota-Molina would then only open the door to throw more burning objects, before shutting the door once more.

After ensuring the safety of staff and residents, police said they entered Villota-Molina’s room, discovering he had fled the building after breaking a window.

Villota-Molina was found shortly after and began swinging a cane at a deputy who confronted him. Court documents state negotiations were unsuccessful with Villota-Molina, resulting in the deputy attempting to tase him, but he was unable to penetrate Villota-Molina’s winter coat.

Villota-Molina was then physically restrained and arrested after another deputy arrived to assist. During the arrest, he reportedly spat on one of the deputies’ legs.

While at the hospital to be evaluated for smoke inhalation, court documents state Villota-Molina pretended not to understand English or Spanish, but later began answering questions in English.

He is currently being held in the Anoka County Jail.
The post Arson suspect charged after reportedly throwing burning objects inside Fridley nursing home first appeared on KSTP.com 5 Eyewitness News.