Man accused of abusing girlfriend, arson

A South Lake Tahoe man was arrested this week on domestic violence, arson and other charges in a case in which the victim told officers her boyfriend had said “we are going to die today.”

Brandon Rothermel

Officers received a 911 call Sept. 9 at 2pm from a woman saying her boyfriend had physically assaulted her at his apartment in the 600 block of James Avenue. She also said Brandon Rothermel, 33, was pouring gasoline inside the apartment. While 911 operators were still speaking with the victim, she reported the apartment was on fire.

An officer attempted to detain Rothermel. but Rothermel grabbed the officer’s handcuffs and refused to let them go. Rothermel also reportedly used his lighter on the officer, resulting in a minor burn to the officer’s skin.

The fire damaged property inside the apartment.

Detectives served a search warrant and recovered several containers of gasoline and a lighter in the living room. They also recovered a firearm that was not registered to Rothermel.

— Lake Tahoe News staff report