Man found guilty in connection to apartment fire incident in Colonial Heights

COLONIAL HEIGHTS, Va. (WRIC) -- A Colonial Heights man has been convicted in connection with an apartment building fire that police said he started in August 2024.

Ka'Wan Yarborough was arrested on Aug. 23, 2024, after a police investigation alleged he had set fire to his apartment building near Newcastle Avenue.

According to the Colonial Heights Police Department, surrounding neighbors got out of the building safely, but Yarborough -- the only person inside his home -- refused to comply when asked to evacuate. Officers reportedly grabbed him from a downstairs window before arresting him.

Yarborough was originally charged with felony arson, but that was later amended to a misdemeanor destruction of property charge.

On Wednesday, May 21, Yarborough was found guilty of destruction of property and sentenced to 12 months with 12 months suspended in connection with the incident.

According to online court records, he is due in court for an administrative hearing on Jan. 5, 2026.