Kentucky Man Accused of Setting Fire Inside Home and Swinging Sword at Police After Threatening Mother

PARIS, KENTUCKY — A 39-year-old man from Bourbon County has been arrested after he allegedly set fire to his home’s basement and swung a sword at police officers during a violent standoff in Paris on Tuesday afternoon, according to court documents.

The suspect, identified as Justin Wade, is facing multiple felony charges, including first-degree arson, first-degree wanton endangerment, terroristic threatening, and menacing.

Police: Suspect Threatened to Kill Mother, Then Barricaded Himself

Officers responded to a home on Meadowview Drive after reports that Wade had threatened to kill his mother with a knife. When police arrived, Wade allegedly barricaded himself in the basement, refusing to come out while threatening to kill officers and blow up the house, according to an affidavit.

Authorities said the tense standoff escalated as Wade began making erratic threats and brandishing a sword through a basement doorway.

“He made repeated statements about killing law enforcement and burning down the home,” police wrote in court documents.

Basement Fire Set Intentionally, Police Say

As police obtained a search warrant, officers noticed flames and smoke coming from the basement door. Investigators later determined that Wade intentionally started the fire while still inside the basement.

Shortly after the blaze broke out, Wade reportedly emerged from the home holding the sword and swung it at officers attempting to detain him.

Police said they were able to subdue him using a Taser, preventing further injury. Wade was taken to Bourbon County Hospital for medical evaluation before being booked into custody.

Charges and Ongoing Investigation

According to court records, Wade was the only person inside the basement at the time of the fire, and his mother was safely removed from the residence. Fire crews quickly extinguished the flames before they spread through the home.

Wade remains in custody and is charged with:

• First-degree arson
• First-degree wanton endangerment
• First-degree terroristic threatening
• Menacing

He is expected to appear before a Bourbon County judge later this week.

Authorities say the investigation remains ongoing, with detectives working to determine Wade’s motive and whether mental health or substance use played a role in the incident.

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