San Tan Valley man arrested for allegedly trying to burn down house with family inside

SAN TAN VALLEY, Ariz. (KSAZ) - Authorities say a San Tan Valley man was arrested after he tried to burn down his house with three of his family members inside.

The Pinal County Sheriff's Office says 18-year-old Luther Cruz was arrested and faces attempted murder charges after he trying to light a propane tank on fire and burn down his house with three of his family members inside on September 3.

Deputies say Cruz's sister dialed 9-1-1 to report that her brother brought a 20-gallon propane tank into the house, poured tequila over it and tried to light it on fire. When Cruz went to the kitchen to get matches, his brother and father pushed away the propane tank and restrained him following a violent struggle.

Family members told authorities that Cruz exhibited signs of mental instability. Cruz admitted to authorities that he tried to light the propane tank on fire in order to burn down the house and allegedly said he "hoped he would die in the fire."

Cruz faces charges of attempted murder, arson of an occupied structure, aggravated assault and felony endangerment.