Clay County Authorities Arrest Man Wednesday For Allegedly Attempting to Burn Down Pleasant Valley Home

Clay County authorities say a man is in custody for allegedly trying to burn down a house on Wednesday with his wife and aunt trapped inside.

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office says 48-year-old Darin R. Thomsen faces charges of first-degree assault on a special victim, domestic assault, and assault on a law enforcement officer.

Authorities allege Thomsen started a fire in the living room of a home in the 7900 block of Arnote Road in Pleasant Valley around 1:30 Wednesday morning as the two women barricaded themselves inside a bedroom.

The Clay County Sheriff’s Office says Thomsen refused commands from law enforcement and kicked a deputy as they attempted to detain him.

Authorities say they found multiple accelerants and lighters in and around the house.

Thomsen allegedly had a torch lighter in his pocket when authorities detained him.

The Missouri Department of Public Safety’s Division of Fire Safety believes the fire was intentionally started.

Thomsen is in the Clay County Detention Center on a 100-thousand dollar bond.