VIRGIE, Ky. (WMDJ) — A Harlan man was arrested early Tuesday morning after a vehicle fire was reported in the Virgie community of Pike County.

Kentucky State Police Post 9 received a call around 3 a.m. reporting a pickup truck on fire along KY 610. Troopers and firefighters responded to the scene and found a truck and the surrounding area had been intentionally set on fire.

According to a citation, 49-year-old John Henry Bentley of Harlan admitted to starting the fire when first responders arrived. Investigators say Bentley told officers he started the fire to get police attention while he was under the influence of drugs.

The citation also states Bentley threatened to burn down a nearby home with people inside.

Neighbors reportedly told authorities they did not know who owned the burning truck.

Bentley was arrested at the scene and taken to the Pike County Detention Center.

He is charged with terroristic threatening, burning during a burn ban, public intoxication involving a controlled substance, and disorderly conduct.