Residents say repeated fires and releases of an alleged arson suspect left neighbors without trust in response; council urges coordination

Two residents told the council that a man who had been arrested in a prior arson and assault case remained on the street and subsequently burned down a nearby house, causing significant property loss and fear in the neighborhood.

Johnny Kevin (identified in the record as Johnny Cab/Johnny Kevin) said his house at or near 3212 Avenue was burned and that he had repeatedly contacted the police and fire departments about a neighbor who had set previous fires. He said officers and firefighters responded but that the suspect was released without an arson charge and returned to the neighborhood as a squatter. Anthony Davis, who said he painted and worked on the property, said the suspect assaulted officers during an earlier arrest and that police did not file or pursue an arson charge.

Council members and staff acknowledged the seriousness of the incidents and apologized to the homeowners for their loss. Councilman Stokes recounted observing the fire response and urged that the matter demonstrated a public-safety risk in neighborhoods where repeated property destruction occurs. Councilman Hartley told the meeting a state lawmaker indicated a House bill (HB 1200) would be introduced to increase penalties for entering and burning another’s property; Hartley asked the council and staff to monitor the legislation and consider local follow-up.

Police and fire commanders were not recorded taking an immediate operational action at the meeting but council members directed staff to follow up with appropriate departments and with the municipal clerk’s office to connect the residents with victim services and permitting assistance for recovery.

Ending: The council asked city staff to coordinate follow‑up with police, fire, and victim‑assistance resources; Councilman Hartley asked colleagues to monitor HB 1200 in the state legislature.