KALISPELL (AP) – A 31-year-old man faces arson charges after Flathead County authorities said he set fire to a car and an outbuilding and tried to burn down a house.
Kevin M. Templin, was arrested Wednesday morning after Templin’s estranged wife went to the sheriff’s office to report that he had violated a restraining order. He reportedly called her and threatened to burn down the house.
When deputies arrived at the house in the Columbia Falls area, the workshop and car were on fire.
Investigators said Templin apparently tried to set fire to the house, but an accelerant — believed to be gasoline — failed to ignite the rest of the structure, leaving only scorch marks on the carpet.
Officers followed footprints in the snow and found Templin behind a wood pile. Deputies said he took a swing at them with an ax handle, but missed.
Templin faces charges of arson, assault on a police officer and violating an order of protection, Sheriff Mike Meehan said.