GROVE CITY, Minn. (AP) -- A former fugitive faces arson and other charges after fire caused over $200,000 in damage at a local apartment complex.
Robert John Verdon, 49, of Cosmos was convicted on drug-related charges Friday in Chippewa County, but fled the courtroom before the verdict.
Meeker County deputies tried to arrest Verdon on Monday at the apartment building in Grove City, but authorities said he barricaded himself inside and threatened to shoot anyone who tried to enter. He also warned officers he was making firebombs.
Shortly afterward, officers noticed smoke and flames within the apartment.Officers told Verdon to put his hands out the window to show he didn't have a weapon.
He pushed out a screen with his hands and officers grabbed his arms and pulled him through the window. They took him to the hospital, where he was treated for second-degree burns and smoke inhalation.
A handful of residents in the apartments were evacuated just before noon Monday, when the fire started.
Meeker County Sheriff Mike Hirman said the residents weren't hurt, but they had to find a place to stay, either through family, friends or the Red Cross.
``It's going to take weeks, if not months, before they can go back in,'' Hirman said.
The state fire marshal's office is investigating. Hirman said Verdon may be charged with arson in the future.
