A Bassett man is in custody following an incident that occurred in the early morning hours of December 7th, according to Patrick County Sheriff Dan Smith. The incident occurred at approximately 3:40 am when alleged video surveillance captured Daniel Shields Reynolds, 39, with a gasoline can that he ignited at the occupied home of 23 Mills School Road.
Shortly after 4 am, Reynolds crashed his vehicle approximately 12 miles from the home. He was arrested by state police for driving under the influence as a result of the crash.
In the afternoon hours of December 7, the resident at 23 Mills School Road discovered smoldering melted siding and other burnt material on her home, at which time she contacted the sheriff’s office. The sheriff stated that Reynolds had been released from the Patrick County Jail just prior to the call being received about the alleged arson.
Smith stated that Reynolds and the resident at 23 Mills School Road had been involved in a relationship.
“The fact that the home did not become fully engulfed in flames is a miracle, otherwise we would most likely be dealing with a loss of life,” Smith said in a Friday morning release.
Sheriff Smith stated that the Henry County Sheriff’s Office was an enormous help in locating and arresting Reynolds. Reynolds is being held without bond in the Patrick County Jail on charges of Arson and Attempted Murder.