A Mississippi State University student was charged with first-degree arson Tuesday after he allegedly set a bulletin board on fire in Cresswell Hall.
The fire took place on the fourth floor of the residence hall on the south side of campus at about 7:15 p.m. Tuesday. Cresswell Hall was evacuated and MSU Housing and Residence Life staff worked quickly to put out the blaze. No injuries were reported.
“It didn”t do much damage, but there was a lot of smoke, so we had to evacuate,” MSU Police Chief Georgia Lindley said.
Police charged 18-year-old Robert Cruthirds, of Gulfport, with first-degree arson. He was released on $10,000 bond.
Cruthirds also faces disciplinary action from the Mississippi State Dean of Students office. Attempts to reach Dean of Students Thomas Bourgeois this morning were unsuccessful.
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