SEQUIM — Arson and reckless-endangerment charges are expected to be filed Wednesday against a Sequim man who allegedly threw kitchen knives at his mother’s closed bedroom door and dumped gasoline in her living room in an attempt to set the home on fire.
Kevin Thomas Root, 44, was booked into the Clallam County jail Friday for investigation of one count each of first-degree arson and second-degree reckless endangerment after he was arrested at the SunLand home of his mother, Marjorie Root.
Marjorie Root called 9-1-1 Friday morning to report that her son had sprinkled gasoline on the carpeted floor of her living room and set some paper on fire, according to Clallam County Sheriff’s Office accounts.
The mother also told deputies that Kevin Root had thrown kitchen knives at her closed bedroom door while she was in the room talking on the phone, causing an estimated $200 in damage.
Kevin Root remained in jail Tuesday in lieu of $10,000 bond.
He is slated to undergo a mental evaluation with Peninsula Behavioral Health in Port Angeles, according to Clallam County Superior Court documents.
He also has been ordered to have no contact with his mother or her residence at 247 Taylor Blvd. in the SunLand community north of Sequim.
Deputy Todd Yarnes gave this account of the events leading to Kevin Root’s arrest Friday:
Yarnes arrived at Marjorie Root’s home, where Kevin Root was living, to find a strong odor of gasoline, a red gasoline can and several burnt papers in the living room.
Yarnes found Kevin Root in his bedroom off the living room and asked him what was going on.
“[Kevin Root] immediately stated: ‘I’m going to burn the house down,’” Yarnes wrote in his arrest report.
Kevin Root told Yarnes his mother had been ruining his life but refused to elaborate.
Mother’s account
Marjorie Root told Yarnes she had been in her bedroom with the door closed, heard a noise at the door and opened the door to find Kevin Root outside throwing kitchen carving knives at the door and surrounding wall.
“I checked the bedroom door and found a large carving knife sticking into it,” Yarnes wrote.
“I observed another large carving knife on the floor near the door and a small gouge in the wall near the door.”
Marjorie Root told Yarnes she did not know what had upset her son that morning, though she said he had told her a few days ago he was going to burn her house down.
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Reporter Jeremy Schwartz can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5074, or at jschwartz@peninsuladailynews.com.
