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Man accused of setting fires in GCU apartments

GCU fire suspect appears in court

The suspect, 19-year-old Jacob Jarvis, faces multiple arson charges in connection with a fire at Grand Canyon University that displaced two dozen students.

PHOENIX – A man accused of starting a fire at an apartment building at Grand Canyon University in Phoenix has been arrested.

The fires occurred just before 9:30 a.m. Oct. 27 in the study lounge area on the third floor of the Agave Apartments. No one was injured other than the incident caused fire and water damage and forced some students to move to other rooms on campus.

According to court documents, investigators determined that one of the fires was started on a sofa and the other was ignited by paper flyers taped to a nearby door. Witnesses reported seeing 19-year-old Jacob Jarvis enter his room after smelling smoke.

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On October 29, Jarvis was arrested and reportedly told police that he stole his roommate's lighter to start the fire.

[Jarvis] stated that he had Asperger's Syndrome and was no longer taking medication,” court documents state. [Jarvis] stated that he was stressed and not feeling well, which is why he set the fires.

Jarvis was arrested and faces multiple charges Arson. He is being held on a $25,000 bond.

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