BOUNTIFUL, Utah, May 21, 2018 (Gephardt Daily) — Bountiful police have arrested a suspect on charges of aggravated arson after a fire at an apartment complex in Bountiful that caused $100,000 in damages Saturday night.
After gathering evidence and conducting witness interviews, Bountiful police arrested Ronald Makin, a 50-year-old resident of Meadows West complex, according to a news release from officials. Makin was booked into the Davis County Jail.
The fire broke out in the second story hallway of the complex at 1450 N. 285 East just before midnight, South Davis Metro Fire Chief Jeff Bassett told Gephardt Daily. The complex is for low-income residents and those with disabilities or medical needs.
“It was reported the fire alarms in the building had activated and residents were evacuating the building,” according to the news release. “In the north wing of the second floor, the carpet was on fire. Two residents used fire extinguishers in an attempt to put out the fire.”
As fire crews arrived, they were met by a visitor to the complex, who complained of smoke inhalation. This individual was transported to a local hospital with minor injuries.
Crews encountered smoke, but no fire, when they arrived.
“Crews worked on removing the smoke from the north wing,” the news release goes on. “While working on ventilation, crews noticed burn patterns in the carpet and north stairwell that were consistent with the pouring of an ignitable liquid.”
Police and fire investigators were called in due to the nature of the fire; the cause of the fire has been determined to be arson, officials said.
South Davis Metro Fire assisted Bountiful PD, the news release said.
