Police: Man who tried to set family on fire still on run

Monday, May 23, 2005 | 9:40 a.m.

North Las Vegas Police were still searching Sunday for a 40-year-old man accused of trying to set his family on fire and then giving officers the slip, still believed to be in handcuffs.

Victor Darryl Butler managed to escape from North Vista Hospital in North Las Vegas, where he was taken after officers arrested him Thursday afternoon, North Las Vegas Police spokesman Tim Bedwell said.

Police went to Butler's house in the 2900 block of Daley Street in North Las Vegas, near Cheyenne Avenue and Civic Center Drive, after receiving a 911 call and found paint thinner on the clothing of Butler's 37-year-old wife and one of the children, Bedwell said.

Police watched the home through the weekend, but saw no signs of Butler, Bedwell said.

Officers believed that Butler was about to set fire to his family when one of them was able to escape and call police, Bedwell said.

When police arrested him, Butler struggled and then claimed he was injured during his arrest and was taken to North Vista Hospital.

Butler escaped about 8:20 p.m. Thursday, his hands cuffed in the front, and has not been seen since, police said.

A warrant has been issued for his arrest on three counts of attempted murder, battery with a deadly weapon and escape.

Anyone with information about Butler can contact the North Las Vegas Police at 633-9111.