An Independence, Kentucky man has been arrested after a violent domestic incident resulted in gunfire and an attempted house fire while a woman and three children were trapped inside. Joshua Harmon was taken into custody following the alarming ordeal, as reported by Scripps News Cincinnati.
After locking herself and her three children in the master bathroom for protection from her husband, who had "reportedly become violent," the woman dialed 911. According to the Independence Police Department, while on the phone with dispatchers, she alerted them that Harmon had vacated the premises, prompting her to secure the front door. Harmon later returned to the residence armed with a gun, discharging the weapon to gain entry, Scripps News Cincinnati relayed from the police report.
Police arriving at the scene were met with the sound of gunshots emanating from within the home. In a deepening sense of alarm, as detailed by Scripps News Cincinnati, police found the main entrance to be a witness, where Harmon confronted the officers but retreated back into the house. The woman, meanwhile, communicated to dispatchers that her assailant had penetrated the bedroom where she was now hiding, attempting to breach the bathroom as well.
Authorities executed a forced entry and located Harmon, who by then had hastily made preparations to incinerate the house with gasoline, a plan thwarted by the officers' swift intervention. "Officers removed the gasoline can, which was hot and swollen, from the oven," the press release noted. The emergency responders were able to rescue the woman and children, all of whom were unharmed. Harmon was confronted during the arrest, sustained minor, self-inflicted injuries, and added to his list of charges by spitting on a police officer in the process.
The charges brought against Harmon include attempted arson, wanton endangerment, domestic violence, and various degrees of assault. His bond has been set at $20,000, with a court appearance scheduled for January 16.
