Police say a man has been arrested for arson after a home in Atlantic Beach went up in flames early this morning.

According to detectives, officers responded to a disturbance at a residence located on Erie Avenue.

Police say the defendant, Pasquale Preziosa, 53, had sent threatening text messages to family members stating that he intended to hurt himself.

Upon officers’ arrival, Preziosa refused to come out of the house. Police say Preziosa made several threats, including harming officers and forcing suicide by cop.

A perimeter around the house was established, and the Nassau County Emergency Service Unit, Bureau of Special Operations and Hostage Negation team were dispatched.

At 1:20 a.m., flames were observed by officers on the second floor of the residence, and it slowly spread throughout most of the second floor.

Preziosa refused to leave the house, and ESU officers along with firefighters entered the residence and located Preziosa in the basement.

Officers removed the semi-conscious defendant and provided medical aid for him.

Officers placed Preziosa under arrest, and he was transported to a hospital for assessment and treatment due to smoke inhalation.

Preziosa is charged with arson, two counts of criminal mischief, aggravated harassment and menacing.

Preziosa will be arraigned when medically practical.