Machete Threat Leads To Standoff, Fire, Two Deaths

Authorities said a threat involving machetes led to a standoff that ended in house fire and the death of two people in Rochester.

One man surrendered and two bodies were found in the home.

Thurston County, Wash., sheriff's deputies said the fire was set by the homeowner, 39-year-old Thomas Mason.

Sheriff's Deputy Dan Kimball said the standoff began after deputies were told that Mason and his cousin had threatened a neighbor with machetes. They barricaded themselves in Mason's house, along with his wife, and all three refused to come out.

Kimball said the two people who died were Mason's wife and cousin, who also was wanted on an outstanding warrant.

Pepper spray was released inside the home, fire broke out and Mason stumbled outside. The bodies were found hours later, after the fire was extinguished.

Mason was taken to Providence St. Peter Hospital for treatment of smoke inhalation, and Kimball said he would be jailed for investigation of arson and an earlier warrant for unlawful imprisonment.

Autopsies to determine the cause of death were pending.