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By Miriam Raftery
January 29, 2015 (Borrego Springs)—A domestic dispute in Borrego Springs ended in an explosive situation that resulted in a home in flames and a Sheriff’s deputy risking his life to save an arsonist from a burning home.
Sheriff’s deputies responded to 911 calls shortly after 4 p.m. yesterday at a mobile home park and golf resort at 1010 Palm Canyon Drive. The callers reported a violent dispute between two men, ages 65 and 54, in which one of the men brandished a small sword, said Sergeant Brian Jenkins.
The two men struggled over the sword, then went to their separate homes in the park. Deputies from the Rural Command and State Park Rangers contacted the 54-year-old man who appeared to be a victim of an assault with a deadly weapon.
Deputy Alvin Vasquez and the Rangers went to the home of the 65-year-old man and confronted him, ordering him to come to them. The man brandished a knife, ran inside , tipped over a gas can and spread gasoline around, then ignited it, engulfing himself and the porch in flames.
Deputy Vasquez twice tried to enter the home but could not reach the man due to the growing flames and live ammunition that began igniting inside. Then the man crawled to the front door. Deputy Vasquez was able to reach him and pull him out while his clothing was still on fire. Outside, Deputy Vazquez and the Rangers pulled the man behind a patrol vehicle to administer first aid.
As Rangers continued advanced life-saving measures, Deputy Vasquez and other deputies who had arrived evacuated nearby residences. The man was flown to a hospital for treatment of severe burns to much of his body.
The San Diego Sheriff’s Bomb/Arson detectives are assisting with the ongoing investigation.
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