Columbia Police Department investigators have charged a 19-year-old in connection with an overnight arson investigation.
Alexander Eugene Petrillo (DOB: 11-19-1997) is charged with Third and Second Degree Arson, and is expected to be charged with Possession of Schedule II Controlled Substance and Possession of Marijuana.
Petrillo was arrested by CPD early this morning after a fire was reported by Columbia Fire Department (CFD) crews at 1426 Main Street (The Hub) shortly before 3:00 a.m.
Initially, firefighters responded to the scene for an activated fire alarm on the 11th floor.
Residents self-evacuated for a short time as CFD crews searched for signs of a fire.
Firefighters located remnants of a small fire from a piece of paper near the elevators on the second floor.
After reporting the scene was under control, CFD Firefighters saw Petrillo set a stack of newspapers in the main lobby on fire. There were no reported injuries or significant damages as a result.
CFD Firefighters approached Petrillo, who is a resident at the Hub, and requested CPD to arrive on the scene. As CPD questioned Petrillo, he admitted to intentionally starting the fires.
The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) is assisting CPD and CFD with the investigation.
Petrillo was booked at the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center (ASGDC).