Ex-Lover Arrested After Arson Threats, AR-15 Found in Car

LUBBOCK, TX — A man was arrested after sending threatening messages to his ex-girlfriend, including threats to burn down homes and harm her other ex-boyfriend, and was found with a loaded rifle in his vehicle.

According to court documents, on February 19, Zachary McLaurin, 21, was taken into custody after the victim, revealed as his ex-girlfriend, reported that he had been repeatedly contacting her.

She explained that McLaurin had become more aggressive after she asked him to leave their apartment and had even packed a bag earlier that day to leave under officer supervision.

However, McLaurin continued calling, texting, and messaging her on Snapchat despite her telling him she didn’t want any contact with him. The victim told police officers that McLaurin threatened to burn down their apartment building and other houses if she refused to speak with him.

He also threatened to harm the victim's other ex-boyfriend, sending more messages about “offing” him. McLaurin later sent pictures of her ex’s parents’ house, stating he would “light this bitch up.”

Court records said the victim showed officers screenshots of the messages McLaurin had sent to her.

The situation escalated when McLaurin began driving around the neighborhood, taking photos of multiple houses, and continuing to threaten the victim. Officers were told to go to a location where the messages were being sent from but soon saw McLaurin return to the apartment complex in his vehicle.

As he pulled up to the building, they spotted an AR-15-style rifle in the front seat. He was immediately placed under arrest and put in a patrol vehicle.

When officers searched McLaurin’s car, they found the rifle in the front passenger seat. Records state the gun was loaded with live ammunition, which was then seized by officers and placed in LPD’s property room for safekeeping.

Zachary McLaurin was booked into the Lubbock County Detention Center on charges of Terroristic Threat and Harassment. As of February 20, McLaurin remains in jail with a total bond set at $15,000.