Davenport fire suspect spat on firefighter, officials say

An 18-year-old Davenport man was arrested Tuesday after police deemed him an arson suspect, according to a news release.

Shortly before 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, the Davenport Fire Department responded to the 1000 block of Grand Court for a structure fire. Crews responded with three trucks, two ladder trucks and a district chief, for an initial response of 16.

A neighbor saw flames coming from the yard next to the home and called 911. First responders arrived on scene and found a wooden board that had been used to secure a basement window with burn marks and a strong odor of gasoline on the outside of the home and inside the basement.

There were no other fires or smoke damage. Crews saw a man walking around in the basement.

Investigators determined that the fire was deliberately set near the windows to allow entry into the home.

While being arrested, 18-year-old Isaiah Guzman of Davenport spat on a non-formed Davenport firefighter, the release said. Guzman faces charges of reckless discharge of fire and assault on a professional.

No injuries were reported. Guzman was in custody at the Scott County Jail Tuesday evening.