A bumbling arsonist in New Mexico attempted to set his ex-girlfriend’s house on fire, but ended up setting himself ablaze in the process. Artemio Sanchez-Ortega, 46, was caught on surveillance video calmly walking down the street with a gas can before trying to ignite the house. However, the yard erupted in flames while he was still standing there, causing him to catch on fire. With flames clinging to his body, Sanchez-Ortega tripped over his own feet and ran down the road, fleeing the scene in a white pickup truck. Despite the chaos, no one inside the home was harmed.
The neighbor who captured the incident on video described the instant karma as “weirdly satisfying” but expressed disappointment that the suspect was able to escape before anyone noticed. Sanchez-Ortega’s ex-girlfriend reported to investigators that she had received three intoxicated calls from him prior to the incident. Although the fire appeared severe in the video, it only caused damage to the vehicles parked outside the house. The neighbor who recorded the footage provided it to investigators, expressing sadness for the situation and a desire to help in any way possible.
The absurdity of the situation, with an individual displaying bitterness and ineptitude in attempting to commit arson, was described as unfortunate and absurd by the neighbor. Despite the chaos of the scene, Sanchez-Ortega managed to make his escape before anyone could stop him. The suspect’s ex and her children, who were inside the home during the incident, were unharmed. Sanchez-Ortega remains on the run following the failed arson attempt, with authorities continuing to search for him.
The footage caught on camera showed Sanchez-Ortega’s failed attempt at arson, where he ended up setting himself on fire inadvertently. The neighbor who witnessed the incident on surveillance video recounted seeing the suspect hanging from the gate with flames licking at his shoulders and legs before running away. The fire only seemed to damage the vehicles parked outside the house, sparing the occupants within from harm. Despite the chaotic and absurd nature of the situation, the suspect managed to escape before authorities could apprehend him.
The suspect’s ex-girlfriend reported that Sanchez-Ortega had been drinking prior to the incident, which may have influenced his decision to attempt arson. The neighbor who captured the footage expressed a mix of satisfaction at the instant karma of the situation and sadness for the neighbors affected by the failed arson attempt. Despite the bizarre and dangerous actions of the suspect, the fact that the fire did not result in any injuries to those inside the home was a relief. Authorities continue to search for Sanchez-Ortega, who remains at large following the fiery escapade in New Mexico.
