Domestic violence leads man to set apartment complex on fire

Salvador Hernandez

Arson suspect had history of domestic violence

Domestic violence continues to rock the Las Vegas Valley.

The weekend fire this past Sunday at a Las Vegas apartment complex was set intentionally by an ex-boyfriend of one of the victims who lived at the apartment complex.

Salvador Hernandez, 33 was in the throes of a jealous rage, and likely had murder on his mind, when he set a fire at the Sonoma Shadows Apartment complex this past weekend.

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Fortunately no one was killed however the fire left 23 people without a place to live and caused approximately $400,000 in damage.

This isn’t the first incident of domestic violence for Hernandez.

He has bothered the victim in the past and would repeatedly call his ex-girlfriend from a blocked number.

Previous arrests include being arrested for possession of dangerous drugs, obstructing a police officer and violation of a protective order.

His behavior escalated and last month, he was arrested twice.  Once for possession of burglary tools and another arrest a few weeks later for domestic battery after breaking into the home of his ex-girlfriend, with an ax, and threatening to kill her.

On Sunday morning, the unnamed victim heard Hernandez on the property. He was knocking on her door and shortly thereafter, apparently consumed with rage and jealously, set the apartment complex ablaze.

Fortunately, in this case,  the intended target of Hernandez’ rage, along with her 16-year-old son, escaped; however, the imprint he has left on her, her son and the other families that were affected will not be forgotten anytime soon.

Hernandez was charged with first degree arson and attempted murder and is being held without bail.

If you are the victim of domestic violence or know someone that is a victim, there are resources available that can offer assistance.

The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV) has an extensive state coalition resource list , broken down by state, where you can obtain help for yourself or for someone that you know.

In Las Vegas,  the Southern Nevada Domestic Violence Task Force offers valuable resources including seminars. The Nevada Network Against Domestic Violence website also offers resources, education and assistance to combat domestic violence.

There was another fire not too long ago at Sonoma Shadows, however, that fire was not related to domestic violence.

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