A Bemidji man is facing charges for his alleged involvement in a suspicious fire last Friday.
According to the criminal complaint, 34-year-old Ray Parsons was reported to law enforcement that afternoon for property damage inside his mother’s home on the 2100 block of Roosevelt Rd. SE.
Deputies responded and found Parsons holding two stainless steel knives, waving them in the direction of law enforcement.
Ray Parsons, 34. Photo from Beltrami County Inmate List.
Parsons then entered the home and locked the door behind him despite deputies’ orders to stop.
Moments later, smoke was observed exiting the home.
The State Fire Marshal report indicated that Parsons intentionally set the home on fire.
Parsons is facing a second-degree arson charge and felony terroristic threats.
He made his first court appearance Monday.
