Phelps County man accused of setting car on fire to “retaliate” against victim

A Phelps County man is officially charged after being accused of setting a car on fire then leading deputies on a pursuit.

Court documents say the suspect, Alyxander Rutledge, allegedly lit a car on fire to “retaliate” against a victim in a previous incident.

On May 28, a Phelps County Sheriff’s deputy was patrolling in the area of 1515 Holloway Street when they saw a fire erupt from a vehicle. The deputy later saw a car fleeing from the area going at a high rate of speed. The deputy pursued the vehicle but was unable to get them. A short distance from the home, the car in question was found on the side of the road near the 700 block of East 14th street, a short distance from the fire.

Two men were seen running on foot away from the area, one of them identified later as Rutledge, investigators say.

When Rutledge was questioned he refused to answer any questions, according to authorities.