Banning Man Who Allegedly Locked In Girlfriend Charged For Attempted Arson

RIVERSIDE (CBSLA.com) — A Riverside County man accused of pouring gasoline in his house and threatening to set it on fire with his girlfriend locked inside faced attempted arson charges Wednesday.

Amador Bates, 37, of Banning, was arrested Sunday after police responded to a report around 9:55 p.m. that a male at 955 West Cottonwood stated he was going to set the residence on fire with his girlfriend trapped inside, according to Banning Police.

When officers arrived on scene, police said they saw a male later identified as Bates fleeing on foot from the property. Bates was pursued and captured a short distance from the location.

Bates' girlfriend was found locked inside the residence when officers arrived, police said. The front door to the home was forced open and the victim was removed.

Officers discovered a flammable liquid had been poured on the floors throughout the home.

Arson investigators with CAL-Fire were summoned, and after an arson investigation was conducted, Bates was charged with attempted arson and use of a flammable liquid.

Bates was later booked at the Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility, according to police.