Dispatcher Arsonist

An Ohio dispatcher and former police officer pleaded guilty to starting 26 fires in the Wayne National Forest. During the investigation, the arsonist told investigators he started the fires to give his coworkers something to do and to cope with his depression. The arsonist used a lighter to start the fires.

Based on this limited information, the arsonist has two different reasons for starting these fires. Starting fires for others or arson by proxy is seen within the firefighter (or wanna be) arsonist subset. Generally, this likely falls into the excitement motive. His second reason was to cope with his depression. This reason does not necessarily fall within the FBIs six classifications for arson motives. Without additional information, we do not know to what extent his mental health issues played into his reasoning for arson.

Looking at the two main typologies of arsonists, goal directed and emotion-based, this arsonist falls within both categories. He has a goal of starting fires in order to provide something for his coworkers to do. The coping with his depression falls within the emotion-based typology.

For a more in depth look at arson motives, check out the Arsonist Profiles by Ed Nordskog.

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