Arsonist Arrested at Fire Scene in Mapo, Seoul

Police arrested an arsonist with a weapon at the fire scene in Mapo District, Seoul.

The Mapo Police Department announced the arrest of a man in his 50s, referred to as A, on charges of arson in a residential building and possession of a weapon in a public place.

The incident occurred at approximately 1:08 AM on the 13th at a six-story commercial and residential building in Daehyeong-dong, Mapo District. Officers from the Yonggang Police Station quickly responded, evacuating residents and implementing safety measures.

After the fire was fully extinguished, Officer Yeo Ji-eun discovered A, a resident on the sixth floor, who appeared particularly anxious while listening to the statements of the residents.

Upon noticing a knife in A's upper right pocket, Officer Yeo immediately questioned him about the possession of the weapon.

In response, A confessed, "I was attacked with gas, so I carried the knife for self-defense," further stating, "I placed paper on the gas stove to start the fire."

The police arrested A as a flagrant offender and are currently conducting an arrest investigation.

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