6 hours Ago By By Brooke Colombo Staff Writer
Denton police arrested a 20-year-old man who allegedly set a fire in his apartment after fleeing the scene of a vehicle crash on Saturday. At about 9:54 p.m.
, officers responded to a vehicle crash near North Elm Street and West Windsor Drive. 911 callers reported a driver hit another vehicle, continued driving, then crashed in a field and took off running on foot. Officers located the owner of the vehicle that was hit in the crash.
No one was injured but there was significant damage to the vehicle, which appeared to have been rear-ended. The owner wanted to press charges against the other driver for leaving the scene. Officers located the crashed suspect vehicle.
Inside, they found a wallet with an ID that matched the name of the person the vehicle was registered to. The ID also indicated that the suspect lived in the nearby 3400 block of Joyce Lane. While those officers were still investigating the crash, other officers received a call about a structure fire at an apartment complex in the 3400 block of Joyce Lane.
The fire occurred in the suspect’s apartment. Fire Marshal Megan Schuth told the Denton Record-Chronicle that investigators found burnt clothing items in a pan on the stove but there was no fire damage to the apartment. While officers were speaking with firefighters, the suspect returned to the apartment and officers detained him.
The report states he had facial injuries consistent with having been in a crash. As officers tried to place him under arrest, the report states he pulled away and flailed his arms. When officers tried to place him in a squad car, he allegedly used his feet and body to push back against officers.
They were able to get him into the vehicle and transport him to the City of Denton Jail. Officers assisted detention staff with placing him in a cell. He allegedly kicked a detention officer, causing her to fall, hurt her finger and break a fingernail, which began to bleed.
The man was charged accident involving vehicle damage greater than $200 for allegedly fleeing the crash; resisting arrest, search or transport for allegedly pushing and pulling away from officers during arrest and transport; and assault of a public servant for allegedly kicking the detention officer. Additionally, at the jail, the report states, officers discovered the man was in possession of a THC vape pen. He will be charged with possession of a Penalty Group 2 controlled substance upon completion of lab testing.
Schuth said the Denton Fire Department is not pursuing arson charges for the fire. From 12:01 a.m.
to 11:59 p.m. Saturday, the Denton Police Department handled 328 service and officer-initiated calls and made 14 arrests.
Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. From minor traffic accidents to neighborhood watch updates, stay informed on public safety with the week’s top crime stories in your inbox every Wednesday morning.
Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request..
