Cornelia man arrested for attempted arson

Michael Jurado-Vasquez

A man accused of threatening to burn down a residence in Cornelia is now behind bars. Deputies arrested 23-year-old Michael Stanley Jurado-Vasquez on Friday after he allegedly doused the 1000-square-foot structure with gasoline.

The incident happened Friday evening, April 16, at a barndominium located at 3893 Crane Mill Road. Habersham E-911 dispatched first responders to a report of a domestic dispute at that location.

“The suspect poured gasoline throughout the residence and threatened to set it on fire, according to the victim,” says Georgia Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner John King. “Fortunately, the suspect did not ignite the flammable liquid and was arrested on scene.”

Authorities say the suspect threatened to burn down this steel-sided residence on Crane Mill Road during a domestic dispute. Dwellings such as this are commonly referred to as barndominiums. (photo State Fire Investigations Division)

Authorities charged Jurado-Vasquez with criminal intent to commit arson, second-degree criminal damage to property, and simple assault under the Family Violence Act.

As of Monday afternoon, April 19, he remained in the Habersham County Detention Center. Judge Amy Thomas set his total bond on all three charges at $24,500.

The State Fire Investigations Division assisted the Habersham County Sheriff’s Office and Habersham County Emergency Services with their investigation.