SEQUIM — A Sequim man accused of attempted arson and reckless endangerment after allegedly trying to burn his mother’s house down is slated to go trial Dec. 2.
Kevin Thomas Root, 44, pleaded not guilty Friday in Clallam County Superior Court to one count each of attempted first-degree arson and reckless endangerment.
Authorities say he dumped gasoline in the living room of his mother’s SunLand home at 247 Taylor Blvd. and threw knives at her bedroom door Oct. 11.
Root allegedly left burning paper on his mother’s living room table after spreading the gasoline.
Clallam County Sheriff’s Deputy Todd Yarnes said Root told the deputy he wanted to burn down his mother’s home.
Root’s mother, Marjorie Root, told Yarnes her son also had thrown multiple kitchen knives at her bedroom door while she was inside the room reading.
The knives caused an estimated $200 in damage to the door, according to Yarnes’ account.
Kevin Root is set to appear in Superior Court on Nov. 8 for a case status hearing.
He remained in the Clallam County jail Saturday in lieu of $10,000 bond.
Root has undergone a mental evaluation through Peninsula Behavioral Health in Port Angeles, according to court documents, with an evaluation report pending.
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Reporter Jeremy Schwartz can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5074, or at jschwartz@peninsuladailynews.com.
