Scottsdale fire officials say one man was taken into police custody Friday night, after they believe he started a fire inside his apartment unit at near 71st Street and Roosevelt.
One suspect in custody after possible arson fire #abc15 pic.twitter.com/VuYcJViHV4
— Kim Tobin (@KimABC15) January 9, 2016
Authorities say the man was heard making threatening comments. Neighbors say he even shouted that he would burn the place down and broke out his window with a rock.
About an hour later, fire crews swarmed the area as flames and smoke were pouring out of one of the ground units where the suspect lives.
The flames were contained to the unit, but the unit directly above may have been damaged from smoke. The two people who live above the ground unit have been displaced.
No one was hurt in the fire.
#BREAKING-- fire at apartment complex near Continental/Scottsdale Rd. No one hurt. Fire out. pic.twitter.com/ruFxHBqYLm
— Kim Tobin (@KimABC15) January 9, 2016
Several people who live in the complex say they heard the man yelling and screaming and were shocked that a fire was started.
“It’s just nuts!” said resident Karen Stage. “Just crazy and ballistic! It was just freaky. I didn’t know what to think. I didn’t know what to do.”
Fire officials say they saw the suspect running down the street. He was taken into custody.
The suspect was taken to the hospital to be evaluated.
The Scottsdale crimes unit remained at the scene for several hours to investigate the possibility of arson.
