Artemio Sanchez-Ortega, a 46-year-old man, attempted to set his ex-girlfriend’s house on fire in New Mexico but ended up setting himself on fire instead. He was caught on surveillance video walking down the street with a gasoline can before trying to light up the house. Unfortunately for Sanchez-Ortega, the yard erupted into flames while he was still standing there, causing him to catch fire. Despite the flames licking his shoulders and legs, he attempted to run down the road, with the fire still clinging to his body.
After the failed attempt to set the house on fire, Sanchez-Ortega fled the scene in a white pickup truck, which was captured on surveillance video. Despite the chaos of the situation, his ex-girlfriend and her children who were inside the house at the time were unharmed. Sanchez-Ortega’s ex-girlfriend mentioned to investigators that he had called her multiple times before the incident and that he appeared to be drinking. Although the fire seemed severe on camera, it only damaged the vehicles parked outside the house rather than the house itself.
Neighbor Daniel Provine, whose cameras captured the incident, found the instant karma of the situation bizarrely satisfying. While the intensity of the fire was significant, Sanchez-Ortega managed to escape and drive off before anyone noticed his presence. Even though the recording of the incident showed the absurdity of someone attempting to start a fire and failing miserably, Provine felt terrible for the neighbors and wanted to assist in any way possible. Despite the comical nature of Sanchez-Ortega’s failed arson attempt, the situation was unfortunate and could have had serious consequences.
The video footage of Sanchez-Ortega attempting to set the fire was made available to investigators to aid in capturing the suspect. Despite the humor in seeing someone with bitterness trying to commit a crime only to fail spectacularly and set themselves on fire, it was a serious and dangerous situation. Provine expressed his regret for the situation and empathized with the neighbors affected by the incident. Sanchez-Ortega remains on the run and has not been apprehended by authorities since the failed arson attempt took place in May 2021.
The fact that Sanchez-Ortega was able to escape and drive off before anyone noticed his presence indicates his determination and quick thinking despite the failed attempt at arson. The witness, Provine, mentioned that Sanchez-Ortega’s incompetence in trying to set the fire and getting caught in the process was both absurd and unfortunate. The criminal complaint filed against Sanchez-Ortega revealed that he had called his ex-girlfriend multiple times before the incident, indicating that there may have been underlying issues leading to his actions that night. Ultimately, the incident was a reminder of the dangers associated with arson and the potential risks involved, even when the situation appears comical in hindsight.
