Columbus Man Arrested After Apartment Arson
Authorities responded to fires set at an apartment building on Harrisburg Pike this week.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Emergency Response
Columbus firefighters and police responded to a fire at an apartment complex on Harrisburg Pike after discovering blazes in exit areas and on a kitchen stove. Authorities subsequently arrested resident Oyintarimobowei David Osuobeni on charges of aggravated arson.
Why it matters
The incident required an emergency evacuation and forced police to deal with barricaded exits while managing a building-wide fire threat. The response underscores the severe public safety risks posed by deliberate acts of arson in residential settings.
A total of 11 police officers required medical evaluation for smoke inhalation following the emergency response. The incident involved multiple fires, including a kitchen stove left in the ON position and barricaded lobby doors.
The players
Oyintarimobowei David Osuobeni
He is the resident of Apartment 2K who was arrested and charged with aggravated arson.
The details
First responders arrived at the Harrisburg Pike apartment building after a fire alarm was triggered, discovering the lobby doors blocked by furniture and fires set throughout the structure. Firefighters gained entry to Apartment 2K, where the resident, Oyintarimobowei David Osuobeni, was observed by a property manager holding a lighter.
Timeline
Firefighters responded to the building fire alarm on September 29, 2026.
The arraignment of Osuobeni is scheduled for September 30, 2026, at 9 a.m.
Seasonal Patterns
This incident follows the safety standards set by the 2024 Columbus residential arson prevention protocols. It marks a departure from standard residential fire calls by involving intentional structural barricading and deliberate fire setting.
Residents should ensure that apartment building emergency exits remain clear of furniture or debris at all times. If you live in an apartment complex, verify that your smoke alarms are functional and know your nearest secondary fire exit route.
The takeaway
Intentional fire setting in residential buildings creates immediate life-safety hazards for both occupants and first responders. Maintaining clear egress paths is a critical defensive measure against individuals attempting to block building exits during an emergency.
What happens next
Oyintarimobowei David Osuobeni is scheduled to appear for an arraignment in 4D on September 30, 2026, at 9 a.m.
Further reading
For more information on local safety incidents, see the Emergency Response section.
