Suspect jailed after alleged arson threat

Lee Roy Jones

A reportedly homeless man has been charged with misdemeanor peace disturbance by Nodaway County authorities after allegedly threatening to kill emergency room staff at St. Francis Hospital and saying he intended to set Wal-Mart on fire.

Sheriff’s Office personnel confirmed that Lee Roy Jones, 67, was taken into custody Jan. 3 at the hospital.

“Mr. Lee Jones had threatened to burn Wal-Mart down, as well as kill subjects in the hospital and hospital staff,” a Nodaway County deputy stated in court documents. “Mr. Jones also stated that he had a gun and knew how to use it, and he would kill people before he got off the hospital property.”

The deputy further stated that Jones told him “Indians were trying to steal things out of his car.”

In his report, the deputy said there was reason to believe Jones posed “a danger to the community” and also that the suspect had a history of possessing weapons and being unable to control his anger.

A large knife was reportedly found in Jones’ vehicle.

The suspect was being held in the Nodaway County jail in lieu of $300 bond.