Man arrested on suspicion of arson in North Columbia

On Monday night, police were dispatched to the 2700 block of Quail Drive in reference to a behavioral problem.

Officers say Dennis Smith and a female victim had been in a verbal altercation. During the altercation, Smith came at the victim in an attacking manner and grabbed her.

Smith then went outside and threatened to set the house and the victim on fire. Smith proceeded to spray liquid outside of the residence.

Police later found out that Smith and the victim were in an intimate relationship.

When officers arrived on scene, they noticed a gasoline container and a bottle of lighter fluid in front of the residence.

The victim and another male were inside of the residence at the time of the officers arrival.

Officers tried to detain Smith, who had multiple lighters in his pocket, and he resisted arrest.

Smith was eventually arrested on suspicion of Felony Arson, Felony Domestic Assault, and Felony Resisting Arrest with bonds to be set by the court.