Man throws Molotov at Albuquerque neighbor’s home, police say

A man threw a homemade firebomb at a neighbor’s home in Albuquerque, N.M., according to police. The incident happened two and a half months ago and was captured on a security camera.

The neighbor told Albuquerque police that she heard a boom and went outside, where she saw Jonathan Griego appearing to prepare to throw another bottle, before appearing to catch on fire himself, according to police. He was later arrested after an hour-long SWAT standoff.

Griego has a lengthy history of legal issues with his neighbors. In February, a neighbor at his old apartment complex accused him of shooting her dog in the face with a BB gun. The dog survived, and animal cruelty charges against Griego were dropped after a witness refused to appear in court.

In 2021, Griego was arrested and pleaded guilty to shooting and killing his neighbor’s cat in front of his three-year-old son, according to court records. He was sentenced to a year of probation.

Griego is facing federal charges of arson, dangerous use of explosives, and criminal damage to property. A judge ruled to keep Griego in jail pending trial. His trial date has not been set. If convicted on the arson charge, Griego will have to serve a minimum of five years.