Phoenix LGBTQ youth center fire now an arson investigation

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UPDATE (July 28, 2017): Darren WIlliam Beach, Jr. has been arrested by authorities, in connection with the arson incident at the one·n·ten Youth Center. Click here for the story.


A fire that caused damage to the one·n·ten Youth Center in Phoenix is now called an act of arson by Phoenix Fire Department officials.

The fire at the LGBTQ youth center, according to officials, took place at around 11:00 a.m. on July 12. According to a statement released Wednesday afternoon, recovered video evidence led to the discovery of arson. Now, fire officials are asking for the public's help, as they search for a man identified as 26-year-old Darren William Beach, Jr.

Fire officials released little information on Beach, but did identify him as being 6' 2" tall, weighing approximately 280 lbs.

Fire officials also said this is not hate crime incident, as the suspect used to be a client of the center's services.

Anyone with information should leave an anonymous tip with Silent Witness by calling 480-WITNESS (480-948-6377).

Spanish speakers can call Testigo Silencioso at 480-TESTIGO (480-837-8446)

Si tiene alguna información sobre el caso, llama Testigo Silencioso (480-TESTIGO, 480-837-8446)


NOTE: Phoenix Fire Department officials said at one point on Wednesday that the suspect involved in this arson incident was a volunteer at the center. Fire officials now say the suspect was only a client, and never served in the capacity of a volunteer, citing officials with one·n·ten.

The story has been updated to reflect the change.