Kentucky Man Arrested After Setting Fire and Swinging Sword at Police During Standoff in Paris Home
PARIS, KENTUCKY — A Bourbon County man is behind bars after a violent domestic incident in which he allegedly threatened his mother with a knife, barricaded himself in a basement, set a fire, and swung a sword at police officers who responded to the scene.
According to an arrest citation from the Paris Police Department, officers were called Tuesday afternoon to a home on Meadowview Drive for a report of a domestic disturbance involving 39-year-old Justin Wade.
Threats Escalate Into Armed Standoff
When police arrived, they learned that Wade had threatened to kill his mother and then barricaded himself in the basement of the home.
At one point, officers said Wade opened the basement doors while holding a sword, shouting that he would “kill the officers” and “blow up the house.” He then retreated further inside, according to police.
Moments later, officers saw flames emerging from the basement, indicating Wade had started a fire inside the home.
Officers Use Taser to Subdue Suspect
As the fire spread, Wade emerged from the basement swinging the sword toward officers, the report said. Police then used a Taser to subdue him safely before taking him into custody.
Emergency responders quickly extinguished the fire, preventing major damage to the property.
No officers were injured in the confrontation, and Wade’s mother was safely removed from the scene.
Suspect Faces Multiple Felony Charges
After being checked at Bourbon Community Hospital, Wade was booked into the Bourbon County Detention Center.
He faces multiple charges, including:
- First-degree arson
- First-degree wanton endangerment
- First-degree terroristic threatening
- Menacing
Community Reaction and Investigation
The incident has left residents of Meadowview Drive shaken. One neighbor described seeing smoke coming from the home and police vehicles flooding the street, calling it “something you’d never expect to happen here.”
Authorities say the case remains under investigation, with potential additional charges pending.
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