Arson Suspected After Fires Set at HBCU

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Law enforcement arrested a suspect behind several fires set on and near Jackson State University, a historically Black institution in Mississippi, on Tuesday.

One of the at least seven fires broke out on the university’s baseball field and at two churches. In addition, fires were started at a house, gas station, and another structure, WAPT-TV reports. No injuries were reported due to the incident.

The investigation began at about 2:45 a.m. Tuesday when officials started to receive calls reporting several fires. The Jackson Police Department said the suspect was arrested Tuesday evening near the county line.

Authorities have not revealed the suspect’s identity nor their suspected motivation behind the alleged arson. Officials received calls about several fires around 2:45 a.m., and six of the seven fires were extinguished by 6 a.m.

One church burned for more than four hours before the fire was extinguished, according to ABC News.