Units from the Pittsburg Fire Department and the Pittsburg Police Department were dispatched in reference to a report of an active structure fire early Sunday morning.

Neighbors in the area reported hearing a loud noise and then observing the structure at 615 E. 22nd St. on fire. One of the residents, later identified as 38-year-old Justin L. Smutz, was observed walking away from the structure after it was already ablaze, and then standing in the front yard watching the fire.

While officers were on scene with Smutz, he became agitated toward one of the other residents and tried to strike them, and Smutz was taken into custody without further incident. He was later transported to the jail at the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office.

Smutz was arrested for felony arson, misdemeanor assault and for violation of the conditions of parole. The investigation is currently ongoing.