Resident Arrested after Barricading Himself in Home and Setting it on Fire, Killing Family Pets

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TX -- Montgomery County Sheriff’s Deputies were called to a domestic disturbance Monday evening in the 15000 block of Ben Wiggins Rd, in northeast Montgomery County. Upon their arrival, they learned that the male resident of the home, later identified as 44 yr. old Mark Ray Bowman, had barricaded himself inside after the female resident fled from their home during an altercation.

As Deputies worked to establish communication with Bowman, they observed that a fire had started inside the home. They continued their efforts to get him to exit the building and as the fire filled the home with smoke he eventually emerged, suffering from smoke inhalation. Fire crews then entered the home to extinguish the growing fire. Once inside they discovered a number of cats and dogs who had all apparently succumbed to smoke inhalation. The male resident, identified as 44 yr. old Mark Ray Bowman, was treated by MCHD EMS for smoke inhalation and transported to a local hospital.

An MCFMO Deputy Fire Marshal responded to the scene and conducted an investigation, determining that the fire was intentionally set. The MCFMO Officer consulted with the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office and communicated the findings of the initial investigation. While Bowman remains hospitalized at this time, he has been charged with Arson of a Residence, a 1 st Degree Felony and will be booked into the Montgomery County jail upon discharge from the hospital. The investigation continues and Bowman will likely face additional charges related to the deaths of the family’s pets.

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