Sheriff: Man torches girlfriend’s car after breakup
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HENRY COUNTY, Tenn. — An alleged arsonist is on the run in Henry County after deputies say he torched two cars during a domestic dispute. Jesse Maynard is accused of pouring gasoline on his girlfriend’s car early Wednesday morning before lighting it on fire and then taking off. With him still on the run, family and law enforcement say they are afraid of what he might do next. “He walked right down her driveway and poured gasoline all over the cars,” Henry County Sheriff Monte Belew said. The two cars now sit torched after deputies say Maynard got in a fight with his girlfriend and decided to retaliate. “I broke up with him like three days ago,” Tasha Deus said. “He told me that it wasn’t acceptable and that he wasn’t going to stand for it.” After setting Deus’ car and his own truck ablaze, investigators said Maynard took off in a black Ford F-250 pickup truck with slight front-end damage. “He has gone to the point to do this,” Belew said. “You don’t know what his next move might be.” Deus said she ended her relationship with Maynard after she found out he had warrants for his arrest out of Benton County, but despite his criminal history she said she never expected this. “I’ve seen him have a temper but never did I think he would do this,” Deus said. “I never thought he would try to kill me.” With the rubble of the cars still smoldering, officers said this situation could have been a whole lot worse. “This could have caught the trailer on fire. It could have caused a major explosion and children could have been walking by,” Sheriff Belew said. “Anything could have happened.” Deputies said Maynard will be charged with felony vandalism. He also has outstanding warrants out of Benton County. If you know of Maynard’s whereabouts, you are asked to call the Henry County Sheriff’s Office at 731-642-1672.
