Man injured in fire that killed 9 puppies arrested on suspicion of arson, animal cruelty
Feb 14, 2024, 10:30 AM | Updated: 2:33 pm
A man who was dragged from a burning North Salt Lake house told police he intentionally started the fire and knew the nine puppies killed were in the house when he started the blaze. (Alston Crosby)
(Alston Crosby)
NORTH SALT LAKE — A man who was dragged from a burning North Salt Lake house told police he intentionally started the fire and knew the nine puppies killed were in the house when he started the blaze.
Jason Mathew Cobb, 42, was booked into jail for investigation of aggravated arson, a felony, and nine counts of aggravated cruelty to an animal. Police arrived at the house fire on Orchard Drive and found Cobb, who regained consciousness after a neighbor dragged him out of the home.
North Salt Lake Police Department officers said Cobb was agitated and told them he was “nuts,” according to probable cause documents. Cobb told officers he started the fire in an attempt to take his own life. In court documents, police said Cobb “appeared to be under the influence of an illegal substance.”
North Salt Lake house fire leaves one person hurt, nine puppies dead
Police said as they were talking to Cobb, they saw firefighters take nine puppies out of the home. Efforts to resuscitate the dogs failed. Cobb was taken to a hospital.
Two officers visited Cobb at the hospital and said they after they advised him of his rights, he was willing to speak with them.
