Phoenix LGBT Youth Center Arson: Suspect Arrested

PHOENIX, AZ— A man suspected of starting an arson fire that damaged an LGBT youth center in Phoenix was arrested, police said.

Darren Beach Jr., 26, was booked into jail Friday afternoon on suspicion of arson of an occupied structure, Phoenix police said. It's unclear if Beach has a lawyer.

The Phoenix Fire Department on Wednesday released video showing a man pouring liquid on the floor of the one.n.ten center on July 12 and then stepping outside just before a room goes up in flames. (For more information on this and other neighborhood stories, subscribe to Patch to receive daily newsletters and breaking news alerts. If you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app.)

Beach was a participant in their program, but aged out of eligibility when he turned 25, youth center officials said.

The one.n.ten center serves lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender youth ages 14 to 24. It lost electronic equipment, food, camping equipment and other items in the fire.

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