DES MOINES – An Iowa man is facing serious charges after dousing his girlfriend with gas and igniting a house blaze.
On March 24, 2024, at approximately 2:56 PM, Des Moines patrol officers and Des Moines Fire Department firefighters responded to investigate a report of a residential fire that had been intentionally ignited.
First responders arrived to find smoke coming from the home. Witnesses reported that the suspect was still within the residence. Officers entered the home and found that the fire had been extinguished. 36-year-old Pah Lo Baw (pictured at top) was found within the home and was detained without incident.
Further investigation found evidence that during a dispute with his 39-year-old girlfriend, Baw deliberately poured gasoline within the home, and on his girlfriend. Prior to igniting the gasoline, Baw reportedly told his girlfriend that because there were no children in the home, he was going to set them both on fire, and did ignite a fire within the home. Prior to fleeing the home, the girlfriend began attempts to extinguish the fire. The home sustained minor damage. Their were no significant injuries.
Following consultation with the Polk County Attorney’s Office, Baw has been charged with the following offenses:
• Attempted Murder (Class B Felony)
• Arson – 1st Degree (Class B Felony)
• Domestic Abuse Assault With Intent To Inflict Serious Injury (Aggravated Misdemeanor)
Des Moines Police Department detectives continue this investigation.
