3 people inside adjacent residence at time of blaze

By Kyle Troutman [email protected]

A Golden man has been charged with four felonies after allegedly setting a vehicle on fire.

Nicholas Blevins, 36, of Golden, is charged with second-degree burglary, knowingly burning or exploding, first-degree property damage and stealing ($750 or more).

According to a probable cause statement filed by Deputy L. Shearburn, with the Barry County Sheriff’s office, deputies were dispatched to a vehicle fire in Golden at about 2:20 a.m. on Aug. 9.

Upon his arrival, Shearburn said he observed a white 2011 Toyota Four-Runner that had significant damage to the rear of the vehicle from what appeared to be a fire. Upon further investigation, Shearburn said the gas cap was open and he observed what appeared to be napkins shoved into the neck of the tube that connects to the gas tank. 

Shearburn spoke with a witness who said they had screenshots of Blevins stating, “Call her, get her on the phone,” and telling her to, “get outside because [expletive] is about to start burning.”

Blevins also allegedly sent other messages referencing watching the vehicle burn down. Shearburn sai dBlevins had fled the scene before his arrival but stayed in the area and directed first responders to the vehicle fire’s location.

The victim said the vehicle was valued at $17,500, and there was approximately, $2,000 in $100 bills located in the glove compartment of the vehicle, and the victim can no longer locate the cash.

Shearburn said when Blevins allegedly set the vehicle on fire, it was located next to a residential structure with three individuals asleep inside.

Blevins was booked into the Barry County jail at 3:42 a.m. on Aug. 9, and he is bing held on a cash-only bond of $75,000. He has been arraigned and has pleaded not guilty. A bond hearing was held on Thursday in the courtroom of Judge Robert Foulke, where bond modification was denied.