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Oyintarimobowei David Osuobeni faces an aggravated arson charge following a Tuesday morning fire incident at an occupied apartment building on Harrisburg Pike in Columbus, Ohio.
Arson Discovery at Harrisburg Pike Apartment
Columbus Fire units dispatched to the scene forced entry into Apartment 2K after discovering the unit was secured from the inside. Investigators identified the apartment as the residence of Oyintarimobowei David Osuobeni according to court documents filed in the case. Inside the residence, firefighters located paperwork burning on top of a kitchen stove with the burner controls turned to the active position. Subsequent checks of the building revealed additional fires burning in the front lobby and along a second-floor stairway designated as an exit route.
Property Manager Witness Accounts
The property manager reported seeing Osuobeni holding a lighter and actively moving furniture to block the front lobby doors while residents attempted to evacuate the burning building. According to court records, the witness observed Osuobeni interfering with fleeing occupants and noted he was the sole individual present in the immediate vicinity where the lobby fire was ignited.
Emergency Response and Evaluations
Emergency medical services evaluated at least 11 Columbus police officers for smoke inhalation injuries sustained while searching the multi-story building for Osuobeni. Several civilian residents of the complex also received medical evaluations on-site for smoke inhalation symptoms caused by the multiple indoor fires. Court documents state that the combination of blocked exits, active ignition sources, and trapped occupants provided clear probable cause for the aggravated arson charge filed against Osuobeni, who is scheduled for arraignment Wednesday at 9 a.m. in 4D court.
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