Shared from the 8/23/2016 Hobbs News Sun eEdition

Hobbsan accused of throwing burning paint can at apartment door

Some apartment residents evacuated; suspect charged by HPD with arson

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Robertson

A Hobbs man was arrested Saturday after he allegedly set his McKinley Street apartment on fire by lighting a paint can and throwing it toward his front door, leading to some residents being evacuated.

Grady Robertson, 35, was charged with arson and negligent arson (more than $500), a fourth-degree felony. Robertson was booked at the Hobbs City Jail.

According to the criminal complaint, Hobbs police responded Saturday at 3:36 a.m. to the 600 block of North McKinley after a structure fire report. After arrival, firefighters at the scene were working to extinguish the fire and “heavy smoke” was visible from the area. Dispatch logs indicate the Hobbs Fire Department also responded to the call at 3:36 a.m. Nearby residents were also evacuated by authorities due to the fire.

Robertson reportedly told police that a “one-armed man” kicked his front door open and attempted to get inside and Robertson lit a paint can and threw it to the door area. The alleged man then ran away a c c o rd i n g to Robertson. He also admitted to “ h u f f i n g ” a e ro s o l cans earlier that night. The complaint notes there was d a m a g e to the door frame, a “charred” sheet rock wall and other damaged areas inside the apartment valued at more than $500. The apartment owner, who is related to Robertson, told police that Robertson had set homes on fire before. A search warrant was executed for Robertson’s apartment later that day and yielded 13 empty aerosol cans. A “burnt rag” with spray paint on it was also located.

Online New Mexico court records indicate Robertson was charged with fourth-degree negligent arson in February 2014. Robertson pleaded guilty to the charge and was on probation. He completed his sentence in February and his deferred sentence was dismissed.

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