A St. Petersburg man was arrested on Sunday after threatening to burn down an apartment building.

According to reports, officers responded to 3315 38th Way S., Unit B, with the Fire Department for a call of a possible structure fire.

Initially there was no evidence of a fire. While on scene, 63-year-old Terry Bronkema, the man who made the call, refused to open the door or speak with officers.  Officers continued their attempts to speak with Bronkema, with negative results.

Meanwhile, Bronkema, who was alone in the apartment, was texting a friend and threatened to burn the building down. He further claimed to have taken pills and claimed there would be an explosion.

The building contained three units, including Bronkema's. Officers evacuated residents from one other unit, (the third was vacant) as well as several nearby buildings.

Officers attempted to enter the home to check on Bronkema's well being, and found the rear of the home was now on fire. Bronkema continued to refuse to speak with any officers in person or on the phone.

Bronkema eventually exited the front door, due to the large amount of smoke in the home at that point. Police said Bronkema still refused to cooperate and was taken into custody.

The fire was extinguished successfully. However the damage caused by the fire was extensive, affecting all three units in the building. 

Bronkema was transported to Bayfront Medical due to injuries sustained from the fire.