Police: Tulsa Man Arrested, Threatened To Burn House With Children Inside

Tulsa police arrested a man on two complaints of felony child neglect after they say he threatened to burn down a house.

Tulsa police said a six-year-old was taken to a counseling office because he was upset and crying. According to a report, the six year old told the counselor he had a bad morning and said his father tried to burn down their house the night before.

The child was then taken to the Children's Advocacy Center and interviewed where, the report says, he said his father, Malachi Smith poured lighter fluid down the hall. The child also said his father and stepmother often fight.

According to the report, the child's stepmother said she and Smith had been living together for two years and that on October 8th she and Smith argued because he hadn't returned home.

She said the next morning, around 5:00, she woke up to Smith screaming at her to give him money. She said that when she refused, Smith continued to yell, went downstairs and started pouring lighter fluid onto the floor.

The report says Smith yelled, “If you don't give me the money I am going to burn the house down.” The woman said she then gave Smith the money and he left.

According to the report, a nine year old was also in the home.

Smith is being held on a $100,000 bond.