Hunter
12/02/22
An Iowa City man was arrested after allegedly trying to set his Wayne Avenue apartment on fire earlier this week.
According to police, the incident occurred Tuesday around 2pm. 26-year-old Parker Hawkins reportedly started the fire for the purpose of eliciting a fire department and police response. Investigators say Hawkins lit some papers on fire on top of his electric stove, exited his apartment, and yelled at nearby bystanders to call 911.
Extensive smoke was generated in the building, which houses 11 other apartments.
As an officer and firefighter were walking out of Hawkins’ apartment, he reportedly shoved the two and threatened the lives of firefighters and officers on scene.
A warrant was issued for his arrest the next day; he was taken into custody Thursday afternoon. Hawkins has been charged with Reckless Use of Fire or Explosives and Assault on Persons in Certain Occupations. If convicted on both counts, he faces a jail sentence of up to two years.