Randall Hamblen, 50, is accused of driving to his ex-wife's home on Tallentwood Place in Garland County, Arkansas, and igniting an explosive device that sent flames roaring across the property—months after he allegedly warned her they would "burn together," according to a probable cause affidavit.
Background
Hamblen and his wife divorced just 12 days before the May 20 incident. The two had once shared the Tallentwood Place residence, and court records show that in October of the previous year, Hamblen was served with a protective order barring him from contacting his estranged wife or approaching the property. The woman told authorities her ex-husband had been drinking more frequently during their separation and made explicit threats to burn down the house if she changed its locks.
The tension escalated on Oct. 19, 2025, when Hamblen allegedly texted his then-wife that a divorce would mean "mutually assured destruction" and warned he was "on the verge of earning the part of me I didn't want to see" if she refused to speak with him, according to the Hot Springs Sentinel Record.
The Investigation
On the day of the explosion, authorities say Hamblen arrived at the residence driving a gold 2003 Dodge 1500 pickup truck. When a man who was inside the home answered the door, Hamblen reportedly told him: "Oh good, you're here. Get the dogs out of the house."
The man went out the back door and approached Hamblen in the carport area. That's when investigators allege Hamblen "leaned over" and "ignited something," producing a loud explosion. Both men suffered burns from the resulting flames. It remains unclear whether Hamblen's ex-wife was inside the home at the time.
Hamblen has been charged with arson, second-degree battery, aggravated assault, and violation of a protective order. He is being held on $100,000 bond. The Garland County Sheriff's Office investigated the incident.
Key Takeaways
- Randall Hamblen allegedly set off an explosion at his ex-wife's Garland County home on May 20
- A court-issued protective order had barred Hamblen from contacting his ex-wife or approaching the property since October 2025
- Investigators say Hamblen previously threatened to "burn our house down" if his wife changed the locks
- The defendant allegedly texted that a divorce would mean "mutually assured destruction"
- Both Hamblen and another man suffered burns in the explosion
What's Next
Hamblen remains in custody at the Garland County jail on $100,000 bond. His case is expected to proceed through Garland County Circuit Court, where he faces four charges including arson and aggravated assault. No trial date has been set.