SPRING HILL, Fla. – A Spring Hill man is facing an arson charge after a dramatic standoff with law enforcement ended with a house fire on Monday afternoon.
The Hernando County Sheriff’s Office reported that deputies were dispatched to a residence on Bromley Avenue around 1:10 p.m. on April 14th following reports of a man acting erratically. Witnesses stated the man was running in and out of the house, screaming he possessed bombs, and brandishing what they believed was a firearm.
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Upon arrival, deputies identified the individual as Leonardo Morales, 40, a convicted felon. A perimeter was quickly established around the home as deputies attempted to make contact with Morales. According to the Sheriff’s Office, Morales exited the house at one point holding the suspected firearm before quickly going back inside.
As the situation unfolded, detectives obtained an arrest warrant for Morales and a search warrant for the residence. Members of the HCSO SWAT and Crisis Response teams were called in to assist deputies already on the scene.
At approximately 4:13 p.m., deputies witnessed flames emerging from the front of the Bromley Avenue house. Morales exited the burning structure shortly thereafter and was taken into custody without further incident.
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Once Hernando County Fire Rescue extinguished the blaze, investigators searched the residence and located the weapon Morales had allegedly brandished. It was found in a bedroom closet and determined to be a replica Sig Sauer BB gun.
Further investigation revealed that the house belonged to the estate of Gloria Morales, the suspect’s deceased grandmother, and is currently undergoing foreclosure proceedings.
Leonardo Morales was arrested and charged with Arson. He was transported to the Hernando County Detention Center, where he is being held on a no-bond status.
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