A quiet suburban street in Katy, Texas, erupted into chaos late last month when Phi Le Nguyen, 46, was allegedly caught on video attempting to set fire to two homes and brandishing a sword at his neighbors. Harris County deputies responded to the scene, where Nguyen reportedly threatened both a resident and an officer with a katana-style weapon before being subdued with a taser.
Surveillance footage from October 23 captured Nguyen pouring gasoline on the driveway and exterior of his neighbor Jackie Gray’s home before setting it ablaze. Gray, alerted by her home security system, confronted him while the fire smoldered just outside her house, where her children were inside. “You setting the place on fire where I live at?” Gray is heard asking on the video as Nguyen challenges her in return.
Earlier in the evening, Nguyen allegedly targeted another neighbor’s property, carrying a gasoline can and sparking another fire. Gray, who saw the flames, managed to stamp them out with the help of her neighbor, but Nguyen returned soon after to pour more gasoline on her driveway and underneath her vehicle. At one point, he raised his sword, approaching Gray’s driveway in a menacing display.
Nguyen’s encounter with law enforcement quickly escalated. When deputies arrived, he continued to brandish his sword, reportedly advancing toward them and retreating to his garage. He was eventually tased and taken into custody.
Nguyen now faces multiple felony charges, including first-degree arson and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. His bond has been set at $200,000, and a judge has ordered a mental health evaluation as the case progresses.
Recent Comments