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Columbia Fire Incident Results in Arrest for Arson

Firefighters battling a house fire in Columbia, SC.

News Summary

A house fire in Columbia, SC, led to the arrest of Malcolm McDowell, 37, on charges of second-degree arson. The fire, which caused significant damage, was initially thought to be an accident but turned out to be arson. Fortunately, a resident and his dog escaped unharmed thanks to the dog’s alertness. The community is shaken as McDowell, with a troubled past, faces serious legal repercussions.

Columbia, South Carolina: Fire Drama Leads to Arrest

A quiet Saturday afternoon in Columbia turned shocking when a house fire erupted at the 800 block of Calhoun Street. According to the local police department, what initially seemed like a tragic accident was discovered to be an act of arson.

The Incident Unfolds

The fire broke out and quickly extended into the home’s attic, sending smoke billowing into the air. Luckily, a resident was at home at the time and managed to escape unharmed, thanks to his sharp-eyed dog who sensed danger before it was too late. The heroic hound alerted him to the smell of smoke just in the nick of time, making sure both of them got out safely.

As the flames raged, firefighters rushed to the scene around 2:15 p.m. and worked tirelessly to control and extinguish the blaze. Their quick actions prevented the situation from escalating further, but it was confirmed that the home sustained significant damage. While no physical injuries were reported, the incident has left the resident and his faithful companion without a home.

Charges Laid Against Malcolm McDowell

The accused in this alarming situation is Malcolm McDowell, a 37-year-old man who now faces serious legal troubles including second-degree arson. He was taken into custody and brought to the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center on Monday. Currently, there is no bond set for his release, and he is scheduled to appear in court on April 25.

It turns out that McDowell was identified through video surveillance from the area, which captured evidence linking him to the fire. Police apprehended him shortly after the incident on Elmwood Avenue. In a twist of fate, at the time of the fire, he was already out on bond from a previous arrest on January 17, 2024, where he faced a trespassing charge.

A Troubled History

McDowell has had a string of legal issues, including an earlier release from jail just after paying a $465 bond related to a trespassing charge. Interestingly, he was also fined on May 22, 2024, for another trespassing incident, a fee he has yet to pay. And if that wasn’t enough, he was previously arrested for drug-related charges in May 2024 and spent 139 days in jail for that conviction.

After being credited for time already served in the Alvin S. Glenn Detention Center, McDowell was released, only to find himself back in handcuffs shortly thereafter due to the arson charge.

The Community Reacts

This shocking event has rocked the local community and has raised awareness about the dangers of such reckless behavior. While the authorities have acted swiftly, the resident and his dog now face the daunting task of finding a new place to call home after taking a harrowing escape from the fire.

As the attention shifts back to McDowell and his court date next month, the community remains on edge, eager for updates on this developing story. With the investigation still ongoing, more details may emerge, shedding light on why someone would go so far as to endanger lives and property.

Rest assured, as this story continues to unfold, we will keep you updated with any new developments. For now, let’s keep the displaced resident and his brave dog in our thoughts as they navigate through this tough time.