A 45-year-old Kearney man accused of trying to set his house on fire while his two roommates slept inside has pleaded not guilty.
Brad Gladwell pleaded not guilty to one count of attempted first degree arson Tuesday in Buffalo County District Court.
Police were called to Gladwell's home at 18 E. 29th St. in
Kearney in the early morning hours on January 15th, after his roommates
said they were awakened by the smell of gasoline.
Gladwell's roommate Tiffany Harris told NTV that he poured gas all over the home's upstairs.
Previous court records reported that Gladwell initially denied spreading the gas all
over his bed and himself, but later admitted to doing the deed. They went on to say that Gladwell told police when it came down to it
he could not go through with lighting the fire because "it wasn't the
right thing to do."
A final plea hearing has been scheduled for April 22, when his trial date will be set. Gladwell faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted.
