Davenport fire suspect spat on firefighter, authorities say

An 18-year-old Davenport man was taken into custody Tuesday after police said he was suspected of arson, 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 engines, two ladder trucks and a district chief, for an initial response of 16 personnel.

A neighbor saw flames next to the house coming from the backyard and called 911. The first firefighters arrived on scene and found a wooden board that had been used to secure the basement window with burn marks and a strong smell of gasoline on the outside of the house and inside the basement.

There was no other fire or smoke damage. Crews were able to see a man walking around in the basement.

Fire investigators determined the fire was intentionally set in the window area to gain access to the home.

While in police custody, Isaiah Guzman, 18, of Davenport, spat on an untrained Davenport firefighter, the release said. Guzman is charged with reckless use of fire and assault on persons in certain occupations.

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