As we’ve reported, a Stuart man was arrested and charged with First Degree Arson after allegedly setting his hotel room on fire at Stuart’s Economy Inn Monday morning. Firefighters extinguished the blaze easily but Stuart Police Chief David Reha says the fire was intentionally set and could have easily grown large enough to cause substantial injury or fatality.
Smoke detectors failed to activate inside of the motel during the fire and Reha says the State Fire Marshal’s Office is now investigating the smoke alarm system.
31 year-old Jason McGowan was arrested Monday after admitting to officers that he intentionally started the fire. He was also arrested in November 2013 for his involvement in a similar fire inside of Stuart’s Super 8 motel.
McGowan is being held in the Adair County Jail without bond. According to Adair County Sheriff Jeff Vandewater, McGowan’s preliminary hearing is scheduled for Thursday, October 8th at 11 a.m. at the Adair County Courthouse.
Raccoon Valley Radio will bring you more information as it becomes official.