Man sets his apartment building on fire after neighbor refuses to give him a cigarette

An Alaska man set his apartment building on fire because his neighbor refused to give him a cigarette, The Sacramento Bee reported.

From The Bee:

Paul Bates, 24, of Anchorage, was charged in a federal indictment with arson in connection with “maliciously” destroying the building, according to the attorney’s office and court filings.

Information regarding Bates’ legal representation wasn’t immediately available Sept. 25.

After Bates’ neighbor wouldn’t share a cigarette with him, Bates set three fires inside his apartment unit and fled the building, prosecutors said.

The fire spread within minutes, according to prosecutors who said Bates was arrested the day of the blaze.

Read the full report over at The Sacramento Bee.

Image via Shutterstock 

Sky Palma

Before launching DeadState back in 2012, Sky Palma has been blogging about politics, social issues and religion for over a decade. He lives in Los Angeles and also enjoys Brazilian jiu jitsu, chess, music and art.