Father Says Autistic Son Should Not Face Jail Time After Setting Fires

SAN ANTONIO, TX -- After 25-year-old Erik Hernandez was arrested for setting his father's house and neighbor car on fire, his father is saying Hernandez has autism and should not face these charges.

According to Mark Hernadez, his son has a child-like mind was alone at the time the fire was set.

Hernandez was left alone after his father went to pick up necessary seizure medications for him. As the dad tried to return home to his son, his car wouldn't start and he was delayed in getting home.

According to Mr. Hernandez, his son loves Toy Story and learned how to talk because of the movie. Unfortunately, the movie also introduced his son to a fascination with matches.

"That's all I'm concerned about is my son's safety and his happiness, ok," Mark Hernandez said. "Right now I'm the one person that can keep him the safest and I'm the one person who can keep him the happiest."

Mr. Hernandez has created a GoFundMe to raise money for his bond and fire damage. He shared the following message:

"Hi, my name is Eric Fox Hernandez, but my friends call me Fox. When you see me, I may seem big but I'm really just a great big teddy bear...Sometimes I do things not realizing the big picture. And that sometimes includes fire and both its amazing and terrifying power. But much like in my movies that I love, fire seems to draw me in. But it is because of fire, that I find myself without a home, far away and alone in a cell."

"In my life, the one thing that has always been constant is my dad. Through thick and thin, through rough days and nights, strict schedules and routines he has always been constant. And all I want is to go home to my one familiar place in this crazy world. That is why we are asking for support from our family, friends, and community both small and large to help bring Fox home."

The 25-year-old was released from the Bexar County Jail after his father paid a portion of the $100,000 bond.