Court docs: man burned his home over fight with dogs

Court documents revealed a possible motive for the man charged in connection to a Jefferson City house fire. Police arrested Patrick Glavin, 43, for the arson in the 1100 block of Jackson Street.

Police claim Glavin admitted to lighting a mattress on fire in the house he rented from his mother, because he did not want his ex-partner to get ownership of five dogs. One of the dogs died in the fire, which also lead officials to charge Glavin with animal abuse.

At first, Glavin first told emergency crews another man who stayed at the house was still inside. A search showed that Glavin was lying and Jefferson City Police brought him in for questioning.

During the police interview, Glavin admitted to pouring gasoline on mattresses to start the fire. He also admitted to making up the story about someone else being inside the home. No one else was injured.

Officials with the Jefferson City Fire Department say the fire broke out just after 8:30 Monday morning. They say the first crew on the scene reported seeing heavy fire and smoke from the one and a half story home.

Fire officials say crews went in the home to search for occupants. Then crews focused on the extinguishing the fire. Firefighters managed to get the flames under control within 25 minutes. The home sustained heavy fire and smoke damage throughout the home. Its not clear how much the damage is expected to cost.

A total of 27 firefighters with six fire companies, three chiefs, and two Cole County EMS units responded to the fire.

The investigation was conducted by the Jefferson City fire and police departments, and the Missouri State Fire Marshals office.