Arson suspect accused of burning house down during SWAT standoff now jailed after being released from hospital

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas — The man accused of intentionally setting a fire to his own home during a SWAT standoff is now behind bars after being hospitalized, according to jail records. 

The Harris County Constable Precinct 4 Office said when Pablo Patino was released from the hospital, he would be booked into the Harris County Jail for his felony arrest warrants that he received after he was accused of setting fire to his wife’s family home just a few days before the SWAT standoff.

Patino could face additional charges of terroristic threats against police officers and arson from the SWAT scene that happened Thursday. Charges are pending the outcome of the Harris County Fire Marshal’s investigation, Precinct 4 said. 

Neighbors were shocked by what unfolded on Lotus Blossom Street Thursday. 

“I see him sitting in the window, just lost,” said Kimberly Worthington.

She said when she passes by Patino’s home now, she feels sad at what was lost.

“Tears came,” Worthington said. “I felt bad. I just felt bad that a house was destroyed, a family is destroyed. I just pray God has mercy on his soul.”

According to authorities, Patino’s wife thought her estranged husband was out of town on Thursday and she wanted to get some clothes out of the home on Lotus Blossom.

Since Patino was still not in custody, she asked for constable deputies to escort her to the house just in case he was there.

“We knew who he was. We knew how violent he was,” Harris County Precinct 4 Constable’s Office Captain Vicente Medina said.

When they got there, the constable deputies entered the house to make sure it was clear. That’s when they said they spotted Patino in a hallway. Authorities said he ran to a back bedroom where he told them he had a gun.

The constable deputies immediately left the house unharmed and called for reinforcements, officials said.

The standoff between Patino and authorities lasted a few hours before smoke was seen coming from the roof of Patino’s home. Authorities said Patino started the fire when a robot sent in by SWAT spotted him in the attic.

“The robot went up to try to open a door that was in the attic. He was seen by the operators on the video and the fire had already started behind him,” Thomas Gilliland, with HCSO, said.

It didn’t take too long for the smoke to turn into a huge blaze. The fire quickly spread from the top of the home to the first story.

As firefighters worked to contain the fire, SWAT was able to convince Patino to get out of the home. He was seen climbing out of a second-story window and was quickly arrested by authorities when he got to the ground.

On Tuesday, authorities said Patino, 27, intentionally set his estranged wife’s parents’ house on fire. According to authorities, his wife, her daughter, and four other family members were inside at the time. Officials said Patino also tried to run his wife over with a car when she escaped the burning house.

It happened around 3:30 a.m. on Mortimer Drive near Antoine Drive and the Sam Houston Tollway.

Family members said Patino shaved his facial hair in an effort to disguise himself before he set six fires around the house.

Logan Saldana, the brother of Patino’s estranged wife, said he tried to put the flames out with a fire extinguisher but was unsuccessful. He said the family escaped through the back door.

A gofundme.com account has been set up to help the family recover from the fire.

“There is extensive damage to my parents’ home. I feel responsible for inviting this man into my life,” the wife posted.

Patino got away after setting the fires, officials said. He’s charged with arson of a habitation, violation of a protective order and aggravated assault in connection with the incident, according to court records.

“Pablo Patino will be booked into the Harris County Jail for his felony arrest warrants after he is released from the hospital and charged with terroristic threats against police officers,” Constable Mark Herman said. “Additional charges of arson are pending the outcome of the Harris County Fire Marshal’s investigation.”

In another previous incident, Precinct 4 officials said Patino was arrested on the day after Christmas for assault. He was released on bond the same day.

Domestic and family violence cases in the Houston area have increased at an alarming rate. Victims often suffer in silence because they feel scared, helpless or ashamed. 

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, here are some discreet ways to reach out for help.

The Houston Area Women’s Center has a 24-hour hotline for victims of domestic violence at 713-528-2121 or 1-800-256-0551.

The Family Time Crisis Center can also be reached 24 hours a day at 281-446-2615.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).

Crisis Text Line: Text START to 88788.