Perry, Iowa — A Rock Rapids man who was arrested on attempted murder charges after he was alleged to have started a fire in Perry, Iowa has been sentenced to probation. Perry is about 20 miles northwest of the Des Moines metro area.
According to a criminal complaint filed with the Dallas County Clerk of Court’s Office by the Perry Police Department, 38-year-old Marcus During of Rock Rapids was accused in June of starting a fire at a home with the intention of killing the occupants.
In his statement, the officer says the incident started as a combination fire call and domestic disturbance at a Perry home. The reporting party said her brother was starting a fire on her back porch. The officer says the porch did look charred and was smoking, but the fire department was taking care of it. The officer says During resisted arrest.
According to the officer, the reporting party said that During had been at their house the day before and broke out some windows. She said she had returned on the day of the fire to find During messing with a hose, and that’s when she saw the porch was on fire.
The officer says that while During was in the patrol car, he began having a medical episode, so the officer took him to a local hospital. Another officer stayed behind and continued to talk to the reporting party and their family. It was stated that During allegedly told the family “I want you all to burn in hell.” He is also accused of threatening officers.
During was charged with three counts of attempted murder and one count of first-degree arson, all class B felonies, as well as misdemeanor charges of first-degree harassment and fourth-degree criminal mischief.
During pleaded guilty in a plea agreement to third-degree arson and first-degree harassment. He received twin 2-year suspended prison sentences and four years probation in total. He must also complete treatment in a life recovery program in Des Moines and pay restitution.
