During fight, Texas man grabs TIKI torch and sets car on fire, police say
Oct. 13 2021, Published 1:21 p.m. ET
An argument in Texas led to a 38-year-old man grabbing a TIKI torch and lighting his girlfriend’s car on fire, police say.
Around 2 a.m. Oct. 10, police responded after Victoria Vasquez stated her boyfriend, Joseph Cleaver, set her vehicle on fire, police said.
According to authorities, Vasquez said she was in her vehicle when Cleaver came out of the house yelling and arguing at her that he set her up.
Cleaver had a plastic gas container with him and he started to pour gas on the hood of her vehicle, police said.
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He then grabbed an already-lit TIKI torch and put it on the hood of her car. Police said another vehicle caught on fire, as well as a nearby tree.
Once at the scene, police believed Cleaver was inside, but it was determined he left the area.
Cleaver turned himself in to police and was booked at the Ector County Law Enforcement Center, authorities said.
He has been charged with aggravated assault with a weapon and arson, both second-degree felonies. His bond was set at $60,000 and he remains in custody, OA Online reported.
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