A man accused of purposely starting a fire at a Phoenix LGBTQ youth center is now in police custody.
On Wednesday, firefighters asked for the public’s help locating 26-year-old Darren William Beach Jr. after he was captured on surveillance video pouring a flammable liquid throughout the One n Ten building near 3rd Street and Weldon on July 12.
One n Ten took to Facebook after the information was released and explained that Beach is a former client of the center and has a mental disability. He began using their services in 2013 but aged out last year when he turned 25 years old.
Officials initially reported that the fire may have sparked due to a spontaneous combustion between batteries in a hot unventilated room. However, after further investigation, it was discovered that wasn’t the case.
A police spokesperson says Beach was arrested without incident after he was located at his apartment Friday afternoon.
One n Ten responded to the news of Beach's arrest on Facebook shortly after he was taken into custody.
He was charged with one count of arson.
One n Ten is moving from their 3rd street location to the PArsons Center for Health and Wellness on Central Avenue and Portland, according to a post on Facebook. They’re expected to open sometime in September.
