Western Nebraskan pleads not guilty in arson case

ALLIANCE (AP) — A 40-year-old man accused of setting his western Nebraska home on fire has pleaded not guilty to an arson charge.

Authorities say Isaac Gonzalez ignited a fire Dec. 13 in the basement of a house he rented in Alliance. Alliance officers pulled Gonzalez to safety through a window. He was hospitalized in Scottsbluff. After his release he surrendered to police on Jan. 8. He’s free on bond.

The Class 3 charge carries a maximum prison term of 20 years. Gonzalez is due back in court on April 1.

Damage of $100,000 to the house and its contents has been reported....