BROOKLYN PARK, Minn. - Prosecutors say a dispute with the managers of his apartment building was apparently behind a case of arson at a Brooklyn Park apartment building late Tuesday.
Donald Thompson was charged with first degree arson in the blaze, which was reported just before 11 p.m. at the Willow Apartment complex at 6500 67th Avenue North.
The criminal complaint against Thompson details how Thompson flagged down police officers upon their arrival and told them he needed to return to his third-floor apartment and retrieve some medications.
Due to prior fires that had been set in the building the management installed surveillance cameras in the laundry room across from Thompson's apartment. When police reviewed the tape they identified Thompson, the man who had flagged them down, as the person seen setting the fire.
When questioned Thompson first denied setting the fire. When pressed he eventually admitted that he set the laundry room on fire, blaming it on a dispute with his landlord. Thompson said he wanted to move into a smaller, cheaper unit but said that management would not allow it.
If found guilty Donald Thompson could face 20 years in prison and a $20,000 fine.
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