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SALT LAKE CITY — A man who investigators believe intentionally tried to set his apartment on fire while he locked himself in a bathroom with his small child was charged Tuesday.
Raymond Gonzalez-Florentino, 29, of Taylorsville, was charged in 3rd District Court with aggravated arson, a first-degree felony, and reckless endangerment, a class A misdemeanor.
On Aug. 2, firefighters were called to Gonzalez's residence at the Callaway Apartments, 1185 W. Clubhouse Drive (3990 South).
When crews entered the open apartment door, they found books and food items on top of the stove, with all four burners turned on, according to charging documents. A small fire was burning on the stove and the cabinets above it, filling the apartment with smoke, the charges state.
Inside a locked bathroom, firefighters found Gonzalez and a 2-year-old girl, a full-size knife at Gonzalez's feet, and water running into a nearly full tub, according to the charges. The girl was taken out of the apartment by firefighters and treated for minor smoke inhalation.
Gonzalez is separated from his wife, charges state. Earlier that day, she brought the couple's daughter and son to visit him at the apartment. Afterward, Gonzalez would not allow his daughter to leave, according to court records.
The woman went to the parking lot to wait for Gonzalez to "calm down," the charges state. That's when another tenant walked up to her and told her the apartment was on fire, charging documents state.
According to Utah court records, Gonzalez was charged in Taylorsville Justice Court in March with assault and two counts of domestic violence in the presence of a child. A warrant for his arrest was issued June 30 for failure to appear in court.
