Logan County man arrested after allegedly setting mother’s home on fire

A Logan County man has been charged with first-degree arson after authorities say he intentionally set his mother’s home on fire in rural Mulhall before fleeing the scene.

According to a Logan County Sheriff’s Office probable cause affidavit, deputies were dispatched at approximately 7:10 p.m. on July 22 to a residence on Sullivan Avenue, just north of Mulhall, after the homeowner reported that her son had started a fire inside the home.

Deputies arrived to find firefighters battling the blaze while speaking with the homeowner, who said her son, identified as 30-year-old Thomas Golden, had been acting erratically throughout the day.

According to the affidavit, the woman told deputies Golden had been drinking and had been yelling all day. She said he poured gasoline on family photos, lit a cigarette, and then threw it onto the floor. Later, he reportedly poured gasoline inside the home and ignited it before leaving the residence.

The homeowner told deputies she escaped the house after grabbing her keys and getting into her vehicle. She said Golden jumped into her car, began yelling and screaming, then got out and told her he had set the house on fire. Fearing for her safety, she drove away and called 911 while smoke was visible coming from the residence.

Deputies located Golden a short time later walking near the intersection of Mulhall Avenue and U.S. Highway 77. He was taken into custody without incident and transported to Logan County Mercy Hospital for burns to his hands before being booked into the Logan County Jail.

During an interview with investigators, Golden was advised of his Miranda rights and agreed to speak with deputies. According to the affidavit, he denied starting the fire and denied setting gasoline on himself. Investigators noted they detected a strong odor of gasoline coming from Golden’s person and clothing. Two cigarette lighters were also reportedly found in his possession at the time of his arrest.

Golden was formally arraigned on July 23 and charged with one count of first-degree arson. His bond was set at $150,000. As of Friday afternoon, he remained in custody at the Logan County Jail. His next court appearance is scheduled for Aug. 6.