DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) - Police have identified the man who was found inside a fire-damaged Des Moines home after he resisted officers’ rescue attempts.
Police announced that 48-year-old Neil Johnston, of Des Moines, died during the incident early Tuesday.
Officers were sent just after midnight to check a disturbance and saw Johnston inside the home. The officers say he wouldn’t open a door and threatened them, claiming he had a gun. The officers say they then saw a fire erupt inside.
The officers broke into the home and tried to rescue Johnston. They say he resisted, and soon they were forced out by the flames and smoke.
Firefighters sent to the home put out the blaze and found Johnston’s body. Investigators say the fire was intentionally started.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.