Man on arson rampage threatened to burn former friend alive, investigators say

BARTOW COUNTY, Ga. — UPDATE: Randy Weaver surrendered to authorities. He is facing arson charges. His sister is still being sought.

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The search is on for a Bartow County man who allegedly set his home on fire and torched two trucks. 
Investigators say Randy Weaver also threatened to burn a former friend with a homemade flame thrower.

"I was standing there at the corner of the porch and he told me he was going to burn me alive and burn the house down. He wouldn't let us off the porch," said Paul Gass.

Gass said the suspect accused him of abusing the suspect's sister, with whom he was involved in a long-term relationship. Gass denied any abuse. He told Channel 2's Tom Regan that Weaver and his sister showed up at his home Monday morning with the flame thrower.

"He came down the yard here and smashed into my truck, and that's when he lit his truck on fire. He had gas cans hanging out of the back of the truck and he had firecrackers in the truck. Both of them went nuts. I haven't seen her act like that," Gass said.

Earlier Monday, authorities say Weaver got into a dispute with his wife at their home nearby. It quickly escalated.

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"He took her vehicle and tried to run her over. After he tried to run her over, he set their house on fire. That house is a total loss," said Bartow County fire investigator Sgt. Jessie Green.

Green said the homemade flame thrower is an extremely dangerous device.

"He used a flame wand, attached to the propane tank and the regulator to turn it into a flame thrower," said Green.

Gass said he feared for his life.

"Oh my God. That's my worst fear, burning alive," Gass said.

Authorities say the suspect is wanted on several arson charges. His sister, who was with him, is accused of making terroristic threats. Investigators say Weaver could also face federal charges.

Cox Media Group