By Stephanie Smith

Daniel Cohen hurt no one but himself when he started a fire at the Unitas Tower dorms on April 15, 2002.

The eighteen-year old U of L student and resident of Unitas Tower initiated arson by lighting fire to an elevator ceiling tile in the mens’ elevator.

The fire alarm went off at 8:31 that evening and was automatically reported via computer to the Louisville Fire Department, DPS, and the Louisville Police. The Fire Department arrived on the scene and evacuated the building while searching for clues.

After talking to witnesses who described the arsonist and confirmed that the fire had been intentional, the fire department contacted the Louisville Division Arson Squad to come investigate.

Around 11:30, Cohen was found on campus and interviewed by the arson squad. After further investigation, they found him guilty and escorted him from the campus.

Cohen was charged with arson in the first degree. This is a Class A felony punishable by imprisonment for no less than 20 years and no more than 50 years, carrying a fine of no less than $1000 and no more than $10,000. The only other stipulation to the fine is if the defendant profits from the arson, the fine is double the amount of gain.

Smoke damage was incurred in the elevator shaft and in the basement, and the elevator cart was ruined.

While the damage estimate is not known, Lieutenant Tom Fitzgerald said the firemen estimated it would be “very expensive.”

Pam Curtis, assistant director for programming, said, “The incident was handled at the scene and the process has been started,” for punishment.

According to Dr. Bridgette Pregliasco, the pending investigation could lead to both criminal and university action.

The Courier-Journal stated that Cohen’s arraignment was set for Wednesday, April 17th.

Many students are upset about the incident and are wanting reassurance that a situation like this won’t happen again on campus.

Junior Justice Administration major Amanda Westerman said, “I think that housing needs to do a better job monitoring what people are allowed into the dorms. There are a lot of people that aren’t happy with housing because they feel like they’re in a mental institution. It would be nice if they could do a background check before they let people live on campus.”

Cohen pleaded not guilty in a hearing on Monday.