At 3:28 PM on August 27, 2023, the Anchorage Police Department and Anchorage Fire Department responded to a residential fire on the 800-block of W 8th Avenue.  Upon arrival, APD contacted a witness who gave the physical description of a man seen walking away from the burning building.  An officer located that male nearby on H Street.

The male, later identified as 35-year-old Gary S. Morris, was holding a six-foot metal pipe which he refused to put down upon multiple commands from the officer.  Once backup units arrived, the first officer was able to take the pipe away from Morris.  Morris fell to the ground and became compliant, he was handcuffed.

Morris was transported to the Anchorage Police Department for questioning by detectives.  Afterwards he was remanded at the Anchorage Jail on the charges of Arson II, Resisting, Criminal Mischief III, and Violate Conditions of Release.

The motive behind Morris starting the fire is still under investigation as is the means by which he started it.  Morris did not live at the home.  Initial indications are that the residence was unoccupied and undergoing renovations.

APD Case 23-27758

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