One Arrested For Arson After Fire At Nine Mile Self Storage Facility

March 25, 2023

An Escambia County man has been charged in connection with arson in connection with a fire at a Nine Mile Road self-storage facility.

Jacob Wayne Johnston, 44, was charged with second degree arson, burglary causing damage over $1,000, and criminal mischief with property damage over $1,000. He was released from jail on a $15,000 bond.

The fire happened Thursday morning at Prime Storage in the 1100 block of West Nine Mile Road. Firefighters arrived to find heavy smoke from the facility. The contents of two storage units were a total loss, and eight additional units suffered smoke-related damages.

The Bureau of Fire, Arson, and Explosives estimated damage at $50,000.

According to an arrest report, Johnston called dispatchers on Friday and said he wanted to speak with a deputy about the fire.

A deputy discovered Johnston was under investigation as an arson suspect, and that Johnston had made reference to “suicide by cop”. Investigators also found text messages from Johnston discussing the arson, according to an arrest report.

Johnston was caught on camera allegedly prying open a lock before taking several times, placing them in his truck and driving away about 15 minutes before the fire, the report states.

There were no injuries.

Photos for NorthEscambia.com, click to enlarge.

Comments

One Response to “One Arrested For Arson After Fire At Nine Mile Self Storage Facility”

  1. Sad Day on March 25th, 2023 8:08 am

    That is horrible. Bad enough when a hurricane wipes a person’s treasure/belongings out. But for someone to do it on purpose, how despicable.
    And, yes I know he probably has issues, but I feel bad for the people who lost everything.

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