Teen charged in barn fire that killed 6 horses

HOUSTON Dylan James Downey, 18, was arrested Wednesday afternoon on a felony charge of arson, according to a probable cause document. He is accused of igniting a fire inside a barn in the 12700 block of Jarvis Road on February 13.

Detectives say Downey admitted he went to the barn because he had no place to stay for the night. He started a small fire between the tack and hay room to keep warm but an ember ignited a nearby wall of hay.

Downey said he tried to extinguish the fire, but the flames got too big too fast, so he ran from the barn. Six horses were unable to escape from the building and died. Investigators say Downey didn't try to save the animals or call the fire department.

His bond has been set at $2,000.

If convicted, he faces up to twoyears in jail and up to a $10,000 fine.