MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – A man accused of harassing and stalking a woman since last year was arrested over the weekend.
In the latest incident, Ricardo Perez, 71, lit the victim's trailer on fire after calling her derogatory names as she entered the Colonial Acres Trailer Park in northwest Miami-Dade County on Saturday, police said.
According to an arrest report, Perez was hired by the victim to mow her lawn three years ago.
Police said Perez made multiple romantic advances toward the victim, who shut him down each time.
The woman told police that Perez became violent in September 2014 after she said he lit her bed on fire, telling her in Spanish, "If you're not mine, you are not going to be anyone else's."
In October, someone slashed the victim's tires outside her home. Police said Perez's cap was found at the scene, but there wasn't enough evidence to charge him.
Then on Feb. 1, police said, Perez struck the woman over the head with a rake several times after he saw her sitting outside her trailer talking to a man. Police said the man who was with the victim was able to grab the rake and remove Perez from the property. A stay away order was issued against Perez in that case.
Police said surveillance video from a neighbor tied Perez to the latest arson incident.
According to the report, Perez said he didn't remember starting the fire because when he drink he blackouts.
He also admitted to having feelings for the victim and said that she would humiliate him by "parading men in front of his face." He claimed she also made offensive remarks regarding his deceased mother.
Perez was arrested on charges of arson and aggravated stalking.
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